Paper Escape

Baby Mini-Album

2012-01-02T20:21:00.000-08:00

Here's my most recent baby girl album. Pretty similar to the last one I did, which follows Tresa Black's tutorial on Fabulously Artsy. Another opportunity to use up bits of leftover materials and make a gift for a new parent.

I tried to include tags and pockets for journaling and stuffing little mementos.

I used the CTMH My Creations 3-Ring binder album. It is retired, however, I bought about 20 of them from the CTMH clearance sale. Twenty. What was I thinking?

Happy Crafting!

Bliss Wedding Album

2011-10-15T15:52:00.000-07:00

Of course, I discovered the joys of Close to My Heart's 3-ring binder mini-album right after it retired and the last album sold. Tresa Black is to blame. If I'd never seen her tutorials showing how to make an ordinary album EXTRAORDINARY, I would never have bothered to pull mine out of the cupboard where I stashed right after purchase about a year ago. Now I regret only buying two.

Mine was quick - less than 3 hours total time. It would have taken longer if I'd used all of her amazing ideas, but my attention span is fairly short these days. So I applied a couple of her Fabulously Artsy suggestions, then filled in with stickers, lots of love, and best wishes for a long and happy marriage and this little package was ready for the newlyweds.

I used the new Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge,
Bliss Paper pack and Stickease
and lots of ribbon, glitter, glue and stuff. If you want more details, ask about them in the comments, or email me and I'll be specific.

I'm off to beg fellow CTMH consultants to sell me their unused binders.

Happy Crafting!

Cricut and Close To My Heart = Art Philosophy Cartridge

2011-08-11T08:04:00.000-07:00

There are lots of amazing things about this cartridge:

A ton of images! 700 of them! In fact, so many that I've already sold off most of my old cartridges on Craigslist. Ever buy a cartridge and use one or two images and leave 90% of them uncut? Not with this one. You'll use 'em all!
3- Dimensional items: boxes, bags, flowers, oh my.... my mind is a whirl with ideas!
Cards, Yes cards in every size and shape you can imagine. And envelopes!
Font - a cool font. Capital and lower case letters. The kind of font I use all the time for titles. Plus a decorative font layer to schnaz it up a bit!
Banners, tags,.....really - it's got it all.
IT COORDINATES WITH STAMPS!!!! (pause here for the Angel's Hallelujah chorus) And... the cartridge comes with 3 full sized stamp sets.

I've been cutting like a mad woman. I'll post some pictures after I've had my morning coffee and a quick swim. In the mean time, feast your eyes on the 700 images:

Starting Aug 15, when you purchase the Art Philosophy Cartridge AND the stamp of the month, you will receive a total of 7 stamp sets, 1 Cricut cartridge, and 3 sets of Dimensional Elements for only $105 (plus shipping/tax)! Go to the Monthly Specials page to see all the details.

Email mebefore Aug 15 and pre-order the Art Philosophy Cartridge and SOTM and I will send you a new Idea Book Free!

Happy Crafting!

More Layout Options for Typeset Workshop

2011-08-08T14:45:00.000-07:00

Here are some more layout options for the August 26th workshop. These pages used the Typeset Workshop on the Go and the Typeset Complements Canvas shapes. Workshops are a wonderful way to preserve your memories, enjoy some fun and creative people, and leave the mess in the studio!

To join us for a workshop and make your own layouts or cards, contact me: tlkaiser-1@msn.com, or phone me 509 863 2020. I can help you select the product you need to create the projects you want. To shop online go here: http://paperescape.myctmh.com/

To find out more about earning rewards through clubs, go here:
http://paperescape.blogspot.com/p/hostess-clubs.html

Happy Crafting!

2011-08-08T12:30:00.000-07:00

Here are the 4 pages available to make for the August 26th workshop:

There are so many changes in the new Close To My Heart idea book. First there is the weight of the card stock. It's heavy - perfect for all the three-projects on the new CTMH Cricut cartridge. Second - it's two-sided. Each side has it's own beautiful and unique design. And third - it's cheaper - only $9.95 per packet. The packet sizes are perfect for making some layouts and a few projects without a bunch left over. I think the new size and price is going to be perfect for most crafters and scrapbookers.

Here are the optional projects for August's project:

Note: optional projects require additional products. To make projects identical to the ones above, you can add:

1 – Dark Neutral Cardstock Shade Pack (X5912)

1 – Wooden Designer Buttons (Z1387)

If you're in the Spokane area, send me an email to sign up for the workshop or join a hostess club. Or go to my website and order your products when they go live on Aug. 1st.

Happy Crafting!

August Creative Club

2011-08-02T19:09:00.000-07:00

August's Creative Club will be held on Saturday, August 20th at 1:00. The cost is $10, or free with a $25 order. As always, this is a no commitment club. You're welcome to join us and there is no obligation to purchase beyond the cost of the workshop for that month. Creative club is an ideal opportunity to feed your paper crafting urge, learn some fun techniques and leave the mess at the studio!

You do not need to live in the Spokane area to participate. Kits with pre-cut, and pre-stamped images will be mailed to you upon request. (Additional $2.50 shipping fee will be charged.)

We will be using the new CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge to cut some fun shapes. All supplies (except adhesive are provided)

When: Saturday, August 20th, 1:00 - 3:00

Where: Spokane Valley (I'll give you directions when you register)

Cost: $10 or free with $25 order

What to bring: Adhesives (I recommend Tombow or something similar) Adhesives are available for purchase during the workshop.

Optional: Your favorite coloring mediums (colored pencils, markers, etc.) Some are provided, but sometimes its fun not having to share :)

To Register, Click the "Buy Now" button. If you have questions, call or email me tlkaiser-1@msn.com

Happy Crafting!

She's the Queen of Her Castle

2011-07-26T20:02:00.000-07:00

Everything about my oldest sister is overflowing with beautiful, abundant, and uncompromising love. If people can be divided into givers and takers, she is a giver. A giver of hospitality, a giver of love, a giver of confidence, a giver of praise and, sometimes, a giver of hope.

To me, she has always embodied this idea that very ordinary things become special with a little extra care. A pot of flowers on an old window sill, linens hanging in the sun on a breezy day, a bowl of fresh lemons. Where ever she is feels special because she attends to the details of comfort and beauty. More importantly, she attends to the people in her life - especially her sisters, nieces, and nephews. Beyond any shadow of a doubt, she has been my most ardent supporter. From encouraging me to go to college (and helping me through the process) to impressing upon me the idea that I can do anything with a little hard work, she has made my very ordinary life feel special.

I saw a collage similar to this one in an issue of Stampington I saw a couple of years ago. Unfortunately I don't have the magazine so I can't cite with specificity. Anyway... I knew I had to make something similar for my sister when she bought her new home. I discovered that collage is a tremendously satisfying experience.

This was supposed to be a close up, but I'm not sure it looks any closer. I suppose if I want great pictures, I'll have to use something other than my phone.

Happy Crafting!

Baby Boy Paper Bag Album

2011-07-24T06:38:00.000-07:00

I've never outgrown my love for paper bag albums. I think it's the crunchy way they feel in my hands and all the unexpected pockets and tags that keep me lovin' em. And they are make great gifts for an assortment of occasions. In keeping with my "use it up" theme, this little album used up the last of a K&Company packet of baby papers and embellishments that I bought a couple of years ago. Here is the cover and a couple of the inside pages:

Close To My Heart Exclusive Cricut Cartridge

2011-07-23T16:20:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about the exclusive Close To My Heart Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge! Use this cartridge in your Cricut machine and you are ready to cut the 700 shapes with a touch of a button. The exclusive images are versatile and many are designed to be used with specific My Acrylix stamps for real eye-popping power!

When you purchase the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge you ALSO receive 3 exclusive D size stamp sets, designed to coordinate with images on the cartridge. Plus three 9 x 12 dimensional elements that work in tandem with the cartridge are included. You can mix and match to your heart's content. Stamp on your Cricut shape, cover your Dimensional Element with a Cricut Shape, or cut, stamp and then cover! You will be all set to create uniquely beautiful artwork with incredible ease! Take a peek at the video that shows this great cartridge in use-

Here are a few ways to own this wonderful new cartridge.

You can pre-order the bundle from me for $99.00 + shipping and taxes. (You will also receive the July stamp of the month free)
Host a party with sales of $250 or more and you can get this cartridge for half price!
Become a consultant and order it yourself at a great discount.

Contact me at tlkaiser-1@msn.com
This is one cartridge you will want to add to your collection. It takes creating to a new level of faster, simpler and easier!

Happy Crafting!

Heritage pages

2011-07-11T16:50:00.000-07:00

My sweet aunt turned 85 this year. These are some pages made for an album to honor the occasion. The paper is a retired CTMH collection, "Unforgettable." As so often happens, I didn't know that I loved, absolutely loved this paper pack until I started working with it. Now I wish it wasn't retired!

Happy crafting and scrapping!

Vision Board meets Paper Bag Album

2010-09-09T20:20:00.001-07:00

I made this for someone very dear to me. There are plenty of pockets and tags for her to write inspirational quotes and affirmations and to place pictures she finds inspirational.

Most of the paper is CTMH "Notebook" - now retired. Most of the stamps are Tim Holtz and the embellishments are left-over bits and pieces. Sometimes I think I might be getting to the end of the stash, but I'm afraid there's enough left to provide every man, woman and child in the state of Washington with a paper bag album.

The roses... I'm totally in love with paper roses. Such fun to make! They're messy (only because I use Mod Podge on them) and they get glitter everywhere - a recipe for a super fun time. I've been experimenting with various rose-making techniques. Here is the tutorial I used for these roses. I like pictures better than the youtube tutorials. I'm slow and the videos just move too fast for me.

Happy crafting!

Happy Crafting!

Spooky Banner

2010-09-09T20:02:00.001-07:00

I've caught the banner bug! I do wish I had a great place in my house to display them. My mantle is brick and they look too busy against the brick. This one is temporarily pinned on the cabinets in the studio so it would stand out against the white for the photo.

The paper is the new Hooligans by CTMH, the ghosts and Jack-O-lanterns are Sizzix cutouts and everything else is leftovers from past projects. As you can see, I continue with the use-up-the-stash theme.

Michael's has giant containers of Martha Stewart fine glitter. It would have been more wise to purchase the small container. There's enough black glitter left over to tag all the neighborhood fences with glittered greetings.

I suppose that's what happens when paper crafters go wrong - they tag with glitter.

Here: http://www.acherryontop.com/articles/Halloween-Spooky-Banner-7986 for directions to do the banner. Easy. Takes a while, but easy and fun.

Happy crafting!

Mistletoe

2010-08-30T22:32:00.000-07:00

Here is a reasonable facsimile of one of the Make-n-Takes we did yesterday. The one we made wasn't sewn at the edges. This uses the new "Mistletoe" Workshop on the Go kit. The kit includes a paper packet, a super cute package of poinsettia brads (really, SUPER cool) and a stamp set perfect for holiday stamping and scrapping. The punch for the evergreen boughs was an aged and worn contraption that would not produce evergreens until we really threw our weight into it. Happily, I have plenty of weight to contribute so we ended up with enough boughs.

The ornaments were first stamped in black, then I stamped them again in different colors, cut them out and glued them over the black stamped image. That way I had black hooks. A dab of gold Stickles for the top of the ornament and the card was done.

Happy Crafting!

Creepy

2010-08-28T07:25:00.000-07:00

Love this creepy image from CTMH's September stamp of the month, "Thriller." I don't usually like the "hash mark" distressed edges, but the look goes with Halloween.

I used CTMH, Hooligans and Olivia papers. I love making Halloween cards - and now I'm totally in the mood for autumn and inevitable cold weather.

Happy Crafting!

Thankful Banner

2010-08-26T20:18:00.001-07:00

I have only this small piece of advice to offer those who would undertake a handmade banner for the holidays: Start Early. If you procrastinate, your Thanksgiving banner will be ready to display in time for Valentine's day. Also, after spending many, many hours bringing forth this type of creation, you will want to enjoy it for a long while. I can imagine nothing more painful than completing the project on Wednesday before Thanksgiving only to have to take it down two days later for Christmas decorating.

This took me an entire day, and it's going to hang for at least a month. Maybe two. Or three.

Next time I might include pictures on each of the squares. After the holiday, the squares could be dismantled and added to scrapbook pages. Each of the squares would serve as a frame for the picture on the page. Truthfully, if I spend an entire day on a project, I sort of want it to last long enough for my grandchildren to enjoy, too.

The banner took me several hours to complete, but they were such happy hours. Sometimes I feel a little sad as summer winds down and I need something to help me transition from summer nostalgia to enthusiasm for the next season.

The product list is far too long and I won't even bother to include everything. Most of the products are CTMH. I tried to use up bits and pieces of retired embellies that I've been hoarding.

Happy Crafting!

Passages 6 inch mini album

2010-08-22T13:42:00.000-07:00

Here is another project inspired by the incredibly creative Lisa Stentz. This little book was an accordion transformed into a book. This technique allows you to make it with as many pages as you would like. This example has three inside pages with lots of pockets for journaling tags and additional pictures. This particular paper makes it a wonderful book for vintage photos or for vacation photos; however, with different paper it would also make a wonderful baby album, or a keepsake for a wedding or retirement.

Paper is CTMH "Passages" , Passages Stickease, and CTMH stamps. To order materials visit my website: http://paperescape.myctmh.com

If you want specific information to make your own mini album, send me an email:
tlkaiser-1@msn.com

Happy Crafting!

Acrylic cards and Irresistibles

2010-08-06T09:44:00.000-07:00

The round card was inspired by Lisa Stentz who creates the most amazing things. I LOVE acrylic cards - so fun when you don't want to send/give the same 'ol thing. Learning to layer them takes a bit of practice - which makes the workshop a good thing. Also the Pizzazz Irresistibles are so cool! They're bits of chipboard that have a resist design on them, so when you ink them up, you get dots... and lines... and squiggles. Basically, they're cool.

For more information on the workshop go to http://paperescape.myctmh.com and click on calendar.

Happy Crafting!

August Stamp of the Month - it's Splendid!

2010-08-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

This is probably my favorite ever Stamp of the Month from Close To My Heart

August's Stamp of the Month is:
Something Splendid (Set of 13)
Recommended Blocks: 1" × 1 1/2" (Y1001), 1" × 3 1/2" (Y1002), 4" x 4" (Y1008)

Want to join an exclusive club? Every month Close To My Heart offers you an exclusive My Acrylix^® D-size stamp set FREE or at a large discount. The stamp set is available to qualifying customers for that month only. It’s our way of saying thank you, and your way of getting fantastic deals on our amazing stamps!

Here’s how to get a fabulous deal on your very own Stamp of the Month!

You spend	You save	You pay only
$25	25% off	$17.21
$50	50% off	$11.48
$75	75% off	$5.74
$10	100% off	FREE

[Go Shopping ]

Baby Album

2010-08-05T17:20:00.001-07:00

I put these pages together last week. I only had a couple of pictures of the new arrival and they were grainy because they were emailed to me, so I used removable adhesive on the photos. The parents can replace them with better photos later.

Using the supplies I already own continues to be a key component of my budget plan. For this project I used up paper from several different kits including K and Company and CTMH. I also had a beautiful pink suede album that was perfect for the project.

This is the last page in the book. The pictures go on the tags. I wasn't sure if the parents would know that so I did one picture to get them started. Now that I'm looking at photos of the layouts, I see some improvements to make. This one needs three flowers on the ribbon. Off I go to make improvements before shipping this off.

Happy Crafting!

"Essence"

2010-07-02T15:01:00.000-07:00

Collage. What's not to love about a gathering of goodies tossed in with bits of wisdom and a smattering of acrylic paint? I simply adored the time spent with my proper little polymer clay lady and her whimsical glitter slippers. I believe she may have sisters and cousins yet to make their appearance on canvas.

This piece was inspired by Julie Haymaker Thompson, a mixed-media artist and teacher whose work was featured in the January issue of Somerset Studio. Check her out - I love her amazing artwork!

Happy Crafting!

House Warming

2010-06-17T15:07:00.000-07:00

Several friends and family members have made the home-ownership plunge this spring. This card fit the bill for some of them. Since some of them know each other, I had to make different cards. I'll post those later (I hope). I used CTMH "Sweet Home" paper and CTMH "Around the Block" stamp set.

Happy Crafting!

More Clear Cards "Baby"

2010-04-28T10:59:00.000-07:00

This is missing something, but I'm not sure what? Any ideas?

Happy Crafting

Joy Forever

2010-04-27T10:52:00.000-07:00

The most used and one of the best-loved stamp sets I own is CTMH "Joy Forever". It was inexpensive (under $15) and yet the simple design of the flower makes it perfect so many applications. The paper is CTMH "Sweet Home"

Happy Crafting!

Veranda and Clear Cards

2010-04-26T10:26:00.000-07:00

I like the new clear cards from CTMH because the cards are so unique. Sometimes it feels as if everything I make is just a remake of some earlier card. Notice the flowers stamped with Stazon (timber brown) on the corners of the cards?

The card below was cloned about a dozen times. One of the joys of aging (and having aging friends) is the increased need for "sympathy", "get well", and "thinking of you" cards. Cards of this nature have unique requirements. Not only must they convey a hopefulness that happier times are around the corner as well as a thoughtful message that speaks of our genuine concern for them, but they must do so in an understated manner so as not to communicate that their distress is yet another opportunity to showcase our paper crafting skills. Hence, simple and thoughtful are in order.

The card below uses the "Bulls eye" from Close To My Heart's Wishes card making program. Sometimes at the monthly crops someone will want me to help them design a card. A busy crop isn't the best environment to spark my creativity (I need to be alone to create). So, my daughter suggested I just put out samples using the book. Then, it will be easy to direct people to the book for directions.

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Crafting!

More Valentine's Day Goodies

2010-03-02T20:47:00.000-08:00

Red paper is a retired CTMH product.

From the retired "More to Adore" CTMH collection: I made and sold several of these. With this tutorial, the nugget boxes are a breeze. Super fun to make!

Happy Crafting!

Valentine Treat Box and Challenge Update

2010-03-01T19:58:00.001-08:00

No, I am not late with the Valentine blog offerings. I'm early.

There's no time like now to make cards and gifts for Valentine's Day 2011. Right now the guilt of not creating something special for each of your friends is still fresh in your mind. Can you imagine how you will feel when you welcome Valentine's 2011, smug in the knowledge that you've secured a stash of thoughtful handmade gifts?

These little boxes are ideal make-and-store gifts. After decorating them, just store them flat. Wrapped in tissue and hidden away in a covered box, they are ready for you to give when the time is right.

Materials: All materials were from a rather large stash accumulated over several years. Thankfully, the stash is decreasing!

Challenge Update:
Eight days ago I challenged myself to "enjoy what I already have." The intention was to address a situation in which I had stuff stacked on top of stuff, and my favorite past time was adding new stuff to the stuff that was already stuffed in the cupboards. Clearly, it was time to address the issue.

These gable boxes are a prime example. There are approximately 30 of them on my shelves. Thirty. How absurd. And yet, none of my friends ever receive thoughtful gifts from me. I have no time for thoughtfulness. Accumulating and storing stuff takes all my time.

This week I've had more time to engage in those activities that feel like "quality" to me. More time with friends, more time creating, more time reading, exercising, and being.

Saturday was tough - that's the day specifically set aside for going places and buying things. Happily, advance planning eased the challenged. I issued an invitation and spent the day with people who matter to me. People instead of things: Awesome.

Happy Crafting!

Your Money or Your Life?

2010-02-21T19:22:00.000-08:00

Remember the popular book by that name a few years ago? Recently I was perusing their website when this phrase slapped me: "what’s actually going on when we are overbusy, overspending, overeating – and overwhelmed – and how we can get back to “enough” when it’s all too much…"

I ruminated on that phrase as I shelled out $280 for an overpriced fruit juice guaranteed to cure all. It lurked in the back of my mind as I spent $125 for a set of Copic markers that complemented the several dozen markers I already own. I pondered it standing in line at the supermarket - the few "essentials" I picked up totaled $139 and some change. Of course, there's nothing wrong with any of those expenditures, but none of them bought me what I really wanted.

I wanted health. Most reasonable people know that health is purchased at a cost of exercise, good nutrition, adequate sleep, and a handful of medical screenings for early detection. Most reasonable people know that a daily dose of juice won't replace any of those other things.

I wanted to express creativity. For me, creativity ranges from "making cute stuff" to communicating an inner emotion using everyday items in unusual ways (that kind of "art" is never blog-worthy when I do it, but its fun for me anyway) Granted, a certain number of tools are required for crafting projects, but I have cupboards stuffed with enough supplies for a millennium-long outpouring of creative expression.

I wanted to fill my refrigerator with a selection of goodies to satisfy any appetite. For goodness sakes, two fat adults shouldn't be spending either money or time satisfying their food cravings. What was I thinking?

Obviously, I wasn't thinking. I was reacting. So, I have a plan to stop the over-consumption that is robbing me of time and peace-of-mind. I'm going on a 28 day "Enjoy What I Already Own" challenge. As part of the challenge, I'm not buying anything except the most basic materials needed for a quality life. Clearly, the phrase "quality life" lends itself to interpretation. My plan is to buy nothing from any store, except a grocery store.

At the grocery store my plan is to only buy the absolute essentials necessary to make meals using food in my freezer or cupboard. I'm certainly not giving up butter, wine, or toilet paper, but since I have a few cases of each of those things, my shopping list should be quite minimal. No clothes, books, magazines, hair gadgets, art supplies, cleaning supplies, etc. I already have enough of everything and I want to enjoy what I own.

I hypothesize that if I don't spend a single second shopping online, in stores, in magazines etc., then I will find the time I need to enjoy a better quality of life. That's my challenge, and I'm totally jazzed about it.

Vintage Valentine and More to Adore

2010-01-20T21:42:00.001-08:00

In keeping with my New Year's Challenge (similar to a resolution, but without the pressure,) no new products were purchased for this year's Valentine's projects. If I hope to actually use up the stash of paper I've been hoarding, I will probably have to give Valentines to total strangers.

I normally give exactly three each year. One to my husband and one to each of my two children. To accomplish my goal of giving 3 Valentines per year, I've purchased 8 sets of stamps, 11 individual stamps, 7 punches, 2 embossing folders and an assortment of stickers. Many of these products have never been used.

I'm a tidy hoarder, so I will never attract Oprah's attention; however,I do believe using up the stash and resisting the urge to add to it pushes me to the healthier end of the spectrum.

These cards were made with:
CTMH Vintage Valentine and Butterfly kiss
CTMH More to Adore paper packet and Chocolate ribbon
Martha Stewart border punch, Marvy punches, Spellbinders, and Sizzlets

Happy Crafting!

In the Pink: Purse and Cards

2009-11-30T20:02:00.001-08:00

Hmmm. Apparently my photography skills haven't improved much through the months. Oh well, a good opportunity to use our imaginations. Can you imagine this purse as black faux aligator? The template is another of Becky Robert's delightful creations. Check out her blog: Inking Idaho - her templates are wonderful!

2009-10-27T20:23:00.000-07:00

Christmas Card Workshop

2009-10-26T13:45:00.001-07:00

A Christmas card workshop has suddenly precipitated out of my recent Jingle obsession. The cost of the workshop is $10 (free with a $50 order placed on the day of the workshop) We will be using an assortment of stamps and techniques.

Just a quick reminder: November is STAMPAGANZA month (buy two stamps get one free) Yes, it is a stamp lovers extravaganza. PLUS if you order $50 worth of stamping and scrapping goodies, you will get the November stamp of the month for $11.48. In other words, you can get a lot of Jingle for your jangle. Haaaa haaa haaa aaa haaaa.

When: November 7th 1:00 - 4:00 p.m

Cost: $10 (free with $50 order placed the day of the workshop)

Email me (tlkaiser-1@msn.com) to register.

See the calendar for more information.

Happy Crafting

CTMH Jingle: The Creation Continues

2009-10-21T20:46:00.000-07:00

This paper has certainly captured my imagination. The above card was inspired by Paper Cupcakes. It required quite a bit of "stuff" to make. The tag and holly leaves are Cricut, the embossing is Cuttlebug (of course) candy cane- Sizzix. The edge punch is Fiskars, paper is CTMH Jingle, the snow flake is CTMH Dimensional Elements - Flurry; stamp - CTMH Say it in Style.

I know I've seen a card similar to this somewhere - but I can't find it anywhere. So, if it looks like something you've made, send me an email and I'll give you credit. This one was really simple.

I know what you're thinking: "who has time to embroider their Christmas cards?" Honestly, it took less than three minutes and the embroidery floss from CTMH matched EXACTLY. Besides, when your friends and loved ones see that you've embroidered on the cards, they will think you're a rock star and they will forever consider you the Crafting Queen. (Martha Stewart, move over)

Happy Crafting!

CTMH Jingle

2009-10-13T21:10:00.001-07:00

I wasn't sure I was going to love this paper, but I've fallen to it's charms. A few years ago I was caught up in the disturbing trend toward pink Christmas cards. I churned out snowmen clad in pink caps and scarves set against pink plaid backgrounds by the dozen. They were tied with hemp to balance their"pinkness" and stamped with a sentiment wishing the recipient "toasty toes and a frosty nose" or something along those ridiculous lines. I thought they were delightful and I was endlessly impressed with myself, even though they'd been shamelessly copied from an idea book.

That experience purged my creative soul of the need for pink. Until now. I spent many unproductive hours staring at the packet waiting for the muse. Finally, a card happened. Then another. I believe pinkish Christmas cards may be in my future. In this case, the pink is balanced with other colors like tulip and juniper. I think I love this paper.

Above is the tri-fold shutter card opened and closed. I might replace these photos with better ones tomorrow. I think I need better photo editing software.

My sister made this one. Thank you, Kathy!

I think the card above is my favorite. I made the poinsettia by trimming down a CTMH white flower and dying it in tulip ink.

Pocket card - I don't know if I like it.

Happy Crafting!

Twitterpated Thank You

2009-10-10T20:51:00.000-07:00

I never have enough thank you notes, so I got on a roll and made several of them using Twitterpated. The blue table cloth doesn't show them to their best advantage, but sometimes that's the compromise - get it done with the readily available tools (like a blue sheet/tablecloth) or wait another week and have a better setting.

The stamp set is CTMH Thoughtful Seasons. If I'm ever stranded on a desert island and can only save one stamp from the ship before it goes down, I will try to save Thoughtful Season. It's the best all-purpose stamp set CTMH sells. It includes sentiments and images for all occasions (most occasions) I'll try and salvage some markers, scissors, adhesive, and a paper packet from that sinking ship, and use my isolation to accomplish some of my paper crafting goals. Wouldn't be lovely to arrange a good stranding?

Happy Crafting!

Twitterpated - Kit of the Month

2009-10-07T18:06:00.000-07:00

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the new Twitterpated. I've already made a mountain of cards and some scrapbook pages, and I can't wait to make some more Twitterpated goodies! You just gotta see this paper in person!

You can purchase Twitterpated by itself for $12.95 anytime, but for the month of October you can buy the Workshop on the Go Kit which includes

Twitterpated Level II paper pack
Exclusive Stampset (super cute) Can't get it anywhere else - only with this kit
Chocolate Ribbon Assortment
Workshop on the Go idea booklet and cutting guide

All for only $29.95

Halloween

2009-10-05T22:42:00.001-07:00

Curiously, I never tire of making adorable little outfits for my candy. I wish I'd invented the idea - it's such a clever notion.

Nugget holders - delightful! I first saw the idea of putting stamped labels on Nichole Heady's website. She has the best ideas!

Here are the Card and Treats class samples for Halloween. Last year the class was such a hit that I'm going to offer it twice this year - Sat. Oct. 17, and Wed. Oct. 21. You can mix and match making any or all of the cards and treat holders.

For more information see the calendar on my CTMH website.

Until next time,

Happy Crafting!

Christmas Gifts

2009-10-01T21:21:00.000-07:00

Quality on a budget - that's this year's Christmas theme. I've made several of these purse and card sets. They're surprisingly quick to make and many of the people I know appreciate receiving handmade cards for gifts.

I like the purse because I can refill it with cards and they stay in good condition (no bent corners like the ones I stuff in drawers) Also, it looks cute on my desk or shelf. This paper design is Bella. Silhouette is my other favorite paper for this set.

Sometimes I get caught up in the card creating moment and continue adding details and layers to the card late into the night. While I enjoy the process of making the 6-hour $450 card, sometimes the practicality of limited resources (mostly time) dictates a 20-minute card which is mostly stamped on the surface as opposed to stamping every image separately, cutting them all out and piecing them together for the delightful 3-dimensional experience I crave.

Above is a case in point: The flower is cut out. Each little petal loving released from the cardstock. The button - trimmed, it's edges inked, and it's center laced with waxy flax. Such fun - it nearly bordered on a spiritual experienced as I lost myself in the joy of trimming and inking. Until I'd done about 30 of them. That's when the cramping in my hands disrupted the Nirvana. I decided flat flowers and buttons stamped directly on the card would convey all the necessary sentiment to the recipient without crippling my hands.

Click here for a tutorial to make it on your own. Or join us for a class.

When: Nov. 1 from 1:00 - 4:00
Cost: $18.00 includes paper, use of stamps, inks, etc. (there will be plenty of paper left over for other projects)

For more information, see the calendar on my CTMH website.

Happy Crafting!

Heritage Scrapbook Workshop: Vintage Travel

2009-08-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

Vintage Travel Heritage 8-page Workshop

Cost: $30.00 + S&H and tax
When: during any Open Workshop.

To purchase supplies or sign up for workshop, contact me: tlkaiser-1@msn.com or
call 509 863 2020

To see available workshop days: http://paperescape.myctmh.com/
"Open Workshops" are offered on a couple of Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons each month. When you purchase your workshop materials from me, you can come to any of the open workshop days and complete your project in the studio. If you don't finish in one session, you can return until you're finished.

Majestic Blue

2009-08-25T07:00:00.001-07:00

I had a very short but relaxing visit with my son in Eugene this summer. We spent a day driving along the coast. With no particular agenda, we just drove until something caught our interest. It drizzled all day, so we spent more time in the car than walking along the beach. His football and college schedule doesn't leave much time for days like that and I'm very glad he could spend it with me. I look at these pictures and it is quite clear: my little boy is all grown up!

The Majestic Paper packet from CTMH is perfect for beach pictures.

Happy Crafting!

Moon Doggie 8-Page Workshop

2009-08-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

Moon Doggie 8-page Workshop

Cost: $30.00 + S&H and tax

When: during any Open Workshop.

To purchase supplies or sign up for workshop, contact me: tlkaiser-1@msn.com or
call 509 863 2020

To see available workshop days: http://paperescape.myctmh.com

"Open Workshops" are offered on a couple of Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons each month. When you purchase your workshop materials from me, you can come to any of the open workshop days and complete your project in the studio. If you don't finish in one session, you can return until you're finished.

Emporium 8 Page Workshop

2009-08-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

The Emporium 8-page Workshop
Cost: $30.00 + S&H and tax
When: during any Open Workshop.

To purchase supplies or sign up for workshop, contact me: tlkaiser-1@msn.com or
call 509 863 2020

To see available workshop days: http://paperescape.myctmh.com/

Back Country Eight Page Workshop

2009-08-23T11:30:00.001-07:00

The Back Country 8 page Workshop

Cost: $30.00 + S&H and tax

When: during any Open Workshop.

To purchase supplies or sign up for workshop, contact me: tlkaiser-1@msn.com or

call 509 863 2020

To see available workshop days: http://paperescape.myctmh.com/

Scrapbook in a Day: How does it work?

2009-08-22T10:35:00.000-07:00

First of all, it isn't really just one day. However, the recipes and cutting diagrams do make it possible to create beautiful pages quickly. I generally spend about 4 hours cutting and assembling the 18 basic pages. At the workshop, you will receive the cutting diagrams to create the 18 pages. The next open workshop, or at home, you can add journaling, a few embellishments, and pictures to finish each page to your unique taste.

I offer "Open Workshops" on a couple of Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons each month. When you purchase your workshop materials from me, you can come to any of the open workshop days and complete your project in the studio. If you don't finish in one session, you can return until you're finished.

Here is an example of a basic layout (remember, there are 18 different pages):

This is a completed page using embellishments:

As this page commemorated a particularly special moment, I added a number of elements to make it special. The library card journaling, the title were all more time consuming; however, I enjoy adding details. You can use any of my cutting tools and the Cricut when you're working in the studio.

This page was much simpler and took about 15 minutes to complete.

This page was also quite simple. Coordinating cardstock highlighted the colors of the prom and made the dress "pop."

The 18 page workshop includes the Paper Packet, Stickease, 16 sheets white cardstock for bases, 4 sheets of color cardstock and matching ribbon (call or email me to select color) and cutting guides. During the open workshop, you can use the studio tools (Cricut etc.) to complete your pages. Cost: $50.00

I've had people ask if they can select a different paper pack for the workshop and the answer is yes. This scrapbooking system will work with any of Close To My Heart paper packs. However, the samples that I have available are made with Silhouette. For more information, go to my website: http://paperescape.myctmh.com/ click on calendar to see Open Workshop days.

Until next time,
Happy Crafting!

Cards, Cards, Cards

2009-08-10T12:06:00.001-07:00

Kid Cards
Yes. I've been making cards. These two were made using the Creative Basics Animal Cookies packet. Each Creative Basics packet provides enough coordinating paper and ribbon to make dozens (oodles of dozens) of cards. This is a particularly fun design, perfect for Kid and baby cards, as well as all the "stuff" that's fun to make for kids.

The card on the left uses "It's Your Day," CTMH stamp of the month for August.

The card on the right is stamped with an image from CTMH: Nursery Bash - it's my all purpose "baby" stamp that I use for all things baby.

Masculine Cards
Why don't we ever have enough cards for men? I hypothesize that it has something to do with 3 million flower stamps on the market vs. the 7 non-flower stamps available (okay, I made those numbers up, but you get my point)

The card on the left uses the Simple Pleasures packet and the Alfresco stamp. So often I find that the stamps I use the most are both inexpensive and versatile. Case in point: Alfresco, one of the least expensive stamp sets I own, but I use it, use it, use it. It's a great set for making your own background paper.

The card on the right uses Majestic Blue paper and the New Horizons stamp set. This is another one I've used extensively. It is a sailing stamp and I know exactly zero people who sail; however, the theme of "sailing" transcends the literal meaning of "sailing." For example, we can "sail" through life, "sail through troubled waters" etc. When I coordinated summer school, we used the theme "sail through summer school." In fact, we can probably sail through virtually anything life throws at us, even troublesome multi-decade birthdays, particularly if we are reminded to do so with a lovingly hand-crafted card.

Wedding Cards
The card on the left uses CTMH's Soul Mates stamp set and cardstock. Clean. Simple.

The card on the right also uses Soul Mates, but the paper is Silhouette. I like the warmth - it has a very different personality, despite similarity in design.

I'm off to create workshops for the coming crafting season.

Happy crafting!

Paper Museum Curator

2009-08-06T14:17:00.000-07:00

That is exactly how I feel sometimes: like the curator of a paper museum. This isn't the position that I've particularly aspired to. Rather, it's the result of appreciating the beauty of paper so much that it never leaves the little bag it came in. My solution is to randomly select a packet and make something, anything out of it. This week, Cosmo Cricket was let out of it's box. I ordered it two years ago from QVC and it's been aging in the corner of my studio for the entire time.

My first project is an 8-inch album with 10 two page layouts suitable for a little girl. My goal was a "shabby chic" look. I'm not sure if I got there, but the journey was fun.

Here are a few of the pages:

Happy Crafting!

Gift Box

2009-08-05T15:38:00.000-07:00

CTMH's Silhouette might be my favorite paper pack. It can be formal, but it also lends itself to a vintagy feel; which is what I was after with these cards. The stamp set is CTMH's Joy Forever and the "ribbon" is a Martha punch.

Computer issues have left me feeling crabby, so I needed an easy project to lift my gloomy mood. I always feel like a rock star after I make a box. Once again, it's the God-like feeling I get when paper bends to my will.

I'm losing that omnipotent feeling... time to make another box.

Happy Crafting!
P.S. I finally found the tutorial for the card box. Try one yourself - it's easy and fun!
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Bill Fold Mini - Album

2009-08-04T10:06:00.001-07:00

Of course, August is among the most delightful months of the year. And, I adore the long hot days that mark this last month of summer vacation. But, the heat... it's terribly draining. Most of the summer has been passed with a simple routine of eating, swimming, and sunning - similar to how a Labrador retriever might spend vacation, except I also read as I sun myself.

This schedule, coupled with hellishly high temperatures, has left me exhausted. As a result, I've had to add napping under the air conditioner to my already busy day.

I managed to squeeze in a few minutes to craft this billfold mini-album using a fun set of papers called "Zach's Life."

I opened an Etsy store, and this item will be part of the inventory. Check it out - What a remarkable idea to have an online site for crafters to share their products with the world.

Check out the pocket and pull-out journaling tab.

I can't remember if its time to nap under the air conditioner or lay in the sun, but I know I'm late for something.

Enjoy these lovely summer days.

Happy Crafting!

Christmas in July

2009-07-31T16:49:00.000-07:00

Christmas in July - what a concept! Ninety-seven degrees outside and it's nothing but poinsettias and "Season's Greetings" inside.

Though I'm loathe to admit it, I've always been a bit of a moody person. However, I have gathered a few tricks for dispersing the sort of generalized funk and gloom that can cast a dreary shadow over an otherwise lovely day. This week it was poinsettias - I stamped, cut out, and glittered dozens of them to make these Christmas cards. I felt wonderful when I finished. Unfortunately, within an hour I'd noticed that I really wanted cream colored poinsettias on black and gold. The funk returns. Tomorrow, cream poinsettias.

Stamp: CTMH Gift of Love

Happy Crafting!

Another Box of Cards and Memories

2009-07-22T07:21:00.000-07:00

The "My Creations Memory Keeper" from CTMH make ideal gifts. You can find all the details for how to complete a box on my other website along with a number of other webcast tutorials.

For this box, I made an insert (compliments of Lisa Stenz) that divides the box into compartments perfect for holding greeting cards of varying sizes. I made a few cards to place inside, and now have a perfect gift ready to give at Christmas time. A single paper packet will cover 3-4 boxes with enough paper to make cards for each of them, so I end up with four gifts that cost about $12 a piece.

If you want me to send directions for the inside divider, leave a comment with your email and I'll get it right off to you.

Here are some of the cards I made for inside:
I'll try and finish a couple more of these and get them posted. Now is an ideal time to make Christmas gifts that will be appreciated by the recipient without breaking the budget.

Happy Crafting!

Tri-fold Shutter Card

2009-07-09T17:56:00.000-07:00

I've been admiring these on other blogs and finally took the tri-fold-shutter-leap. I'm glad I did, it was super fun to do. I used this tutorial: http://rainbowkreations.blogspot.com/2009/05/tri-fold-shutter-card-tutorial.html

Now I've got the bug; I need to go make more of these.

Materials:
Paper: DCWV Old World Stack, unidentified sheet of cardstock
Stamps: (SU) Heartfelt Thanks, Baroque Motifs, Side Kick Sayings; (CTMH)Treasure Life
Spellbinder Butterfly, assorted trinkets loose in the embellishment drawer.

Happy Crafting

Clean and Simple: First Attempt

2009-07-09T17:23:00.000-07:00

I made this for the Clean and Simple (CAS) challenge on Splitcoast Stampers. Surprisingly, it took longer than the messy and complicated cards that I normally do. Once again my photography skills have failed me - what looks like black is actually chocolate. Clearly, I need practice with this technique.

Materials:(All CTMH)
Cardstock: Buttercup, Chocolate, and colonial white
Stamps: True Happiness, and Happy Birthday

Happy Crafting!

Star Dust Lay-out

2009-07-06T12:23:00.001-07:00

Clearly, the theme of procrastination flows through both my life and my blog. Hence, I am just now scrapping an event that took place nearly ten years ago. My husband goes to Sturgis every year; and on this trip he took our youngest son. The trip was a mixed blessing for me. Joy at the prospect of having the house to myself for a few days was tempered by nightmarish visions of motorcycle wrecks.

Our family is thoroughly and completely unskilled in all aspects of photography. Sometimes it's that we don't manage cameras very well; sometimes life rolls on, interesting and photographable moments take place, and no one thinks to pick up a camera. I see other people's families poised in front of "Welcome to California" signs and I wonder: "Why don't we ever think to do that?" And yet, we continue to roll by "Welcome to..." signs and forget to stop. But, let a random buffalo wander near the car and I'll snap 35 photos. I'm thick that way.

Anyway, the two of them went to Sturgis, and true to the family genes, my son snapped dozens of buffalo pictures and not a single picture of himself or his father. Had it not been for their images reflected in the motorcycle mirrors as donkeys and buffalo were dutifully captured on film, I would never have known for sure if my boys went to Sturgis at all.

Since I had the Stardust Paper Pack opened, I decided to scrap another event from the ancient past: a trip to Seattle I took with my children. We had a great time at the Pacific Science Center. It isn't easy for kids to have a mother who teaches science. We showed up at the Science center when they opened and stayed until the janitor's push broom nipped at our heels. For me, the day was delightful; for them, a lesson in patience.

Materials:
Close To My Heart: Stardust and Stickease, and a few random strands of ribbon

Faux Burning Technique

2009-07-03T08:59:00.001-07:00

This card is for the Faux Burnt Edge technique challenge at SCS. It was also an excuse to use CTMH's Make It Count and Tim Holtz's Journey stamp set - both of which I absolutely had to have, and yet they sat unused for many months.

I love, love, love vintage collage, but I've had very little success with it. Maybe I'm missing the collage gene. I worked at this one for quite a while and then decided it was simply finished.

I spent my morning lurking in the attic hoping to find a fresh perspective or new inspiration for living. Who knows what I was looking for - I just know to be somewhere different when where I am feels dusty. The attic was certainly dusty, but dusty in a new way. It was a fresh dusty.

What I found were more pictures, which means more scrapbooking, which means I have something fun to do this afternoon.

Until next time,
Happy Crafting!

Animal Cookies

2009-06-30T12:09:00.001-07:00

A couple of posts ago I mentioned that I actually enjoy making the 15 hour, $400 card; however, when time and money are limited resources, my trick for getting a lot with a little is to limit myself to a single paper pack and a single stamp set.

The gaps in my card stash include little kid birthday cards, thank you, and new baby. Using one paper pack - Animal Crackers (comes with 16 sheets of paper, 8 each of 2 patterns, and wide, white ribbon) and one stamp set - Nursery Bash, (and a stamp from the Thank You set- I know that makes it two stamp sets, but oh well) I made several cards to fill stash gaps.

Happy Crafting!

Ten Minute Card

2009-06-24T15:49:00.000-07:00

When I first purposed to make all my own greeting cards, I had a few goals in mind. First, I would challenge myself to greater levels of creativity, I would save myself shopping time and money, and I would always have a card readily available for any occasion. The first step was to spend about 8 - 9 hours online finding a great card to copy, then I purchased a couple thousand dollars worth of supplies and tools to make the card, then I spent another week in my studio crafting the final creation. I repeat these steps for every new card-making event.

This system still works well for me most of the time; however, if I need to produce something quickly it's fun to see what I can do in just ten minutes.

The trick to a 10-minute card is to keep materials to a minimum. I've used baby pink, black, and white cardstock, two stamp sets that I had out anyway, a piece of ribbon, and the first black embellishments I came to when I started rummaging.

Happy Crafting!

Barbeque Apron Invitations

2009-06-24T14:13:00.001-07:00

That's right: bbq apron invitations - does it get any better than this? Aren't these just off the "Stinkin' Cute" chart?

They truly are easy. I just made a regular A2 card (4.25 x 5.5 inches) with the fold on top, and I used the oval coluzzle to make the arm holes. The stamp set was CTMH Grill It Up (retired) The little utensils are part of the stamp set - I heat embossed them with copper EP, and cut them out. There were many invitations to do, and I quickly bored with cutting out little utensils, which is why some aprons have them and others don't.

Happy Crafting!

Faux Denim Technique

2009-06-24T13:44:00.001-07:00

The faux denim technique is both easy and messy (a sure recipe for fun.) Exactly what I will do with a card proclaiming that "There is a little cowboy in all of us" is still unclear to me, but I just know the perfect occasion will present itself soon.

Materials: All CTMH
Paper: Sarsaparilla
Stamps: Yeehaw

The Joy of Bows: a Tutorial

2009-06-22T18:07:00.000-07:00

This bow-tying tutorial was supposed to go with the Glass Block tutorial here: http://paperescape.blogspot.com/2009/06/glass-block-tutorial.html However, I procrastinated by a few weeks. Better late than never:

I like a nice wide ribbon with wire edges for the glass blocks; however, any size will work. For this ribbon I used two colors together - black and maroon. The two will make for a nice full bow. You will also need some wire to wrap around the bow and wire cutters to snip the wire. Sometimes I encounter frustrations when bow-tying, so I always keep a glass of wine available. The hand model that I hired called in sick, so I had to use my own hands which were ink stained.

Start by pulling lots of ribbon off the spool, I'm not sure how to quantify "lots", but it's more than a little. I will try to be more specific as we go on.

Leaving about a 6 - 8 inch tail, I make a loop that is about 5 - 6 inches long. How long you make it depends on how big you want your final product to be. I make my first 4 loops a little longer than the final loops. Anyway, after I make the loop I twist it a full 360 degrees.

Then I make another loop and I twist the ribbon again. The twisting makes the ribbon hold together better - much easier than trying to manage loose ribbon that is bunching between my finger and thumb. Twisting the ribbon also keeps it turned in the right direction.

Continue with the loop-twist-looping until you have a nice handful of loops. I always do an odd number - usually 7 or 9. This is because my highschool art teacher always stressed the importance of odd numbers. Someday I'll do an even number of loops and see if it produces an unsightly bow.

When I my bow is adequately looped, I wrap wire around it -really tightly- about four or five times. I add a tiny loop to cover the wire wrap, and then I wrap my little loop. This becomes the center of the bow.

Once I have the bow tightly wrapped, I clip the wire and I "fluff it up" twisting the ribbon, opening up the loops so the aren't squished together and I form it into a pleasing shape. See the small loop in the center? That's the final loop that I made while I was wrapping the wire.

The final step is to wrap ribbon around the block and tie it off at the top leaving tails. Use some wire to tie the bow to the top of the ribbon. I also use a little Liquid Glass to hold the bow a bit more securely. Trim the edges of the ribbon and enjoy!

Happy Crafting!

Farm Life Layout

2009-06-10T20:42:00.000-07:00

Was there ever a mother who didn't look back and wonder what happened to the days she thought would last forever? I recently completed this layout of pictures taken more than twenty years ago when we were young, energetic, and believed happiness was a goal to reach rather than a way to live.

There aren't many things I would change about those days, but I do wish I'd spent less time trying to "create" a set of circumstances that would spell out happiness, and more time soaking up the beautiful essence of those precious little people who would grow up way, way too fast. I didn't understand that they came to me as complete packages - the seeds of who they would become already planted. I only had to nurture, love, and support. I'm sure I did all those things; but I added an additional dose of worry, stress, and a fear that who we were and what we had to offer wouldn't be enough.

I would like very much to relive the sweetness of their babyhood, the curiosity as they explored the world, and rekindle the magical feeling of being very, very special to a child. But, my lesson is that happiness isn't a goal, but a way of living in the moment. The challenge is to nurture the present while sometimes missing the past.

Details:

All Materials are Close To My Heart, unless otherwise stated:

Sarsasparilla paper pack

Sarsasparilla Stickease

Stamp: Western Flourishes

Dimensional Elements

To purchase any of these supplies, visit my CTMH Website: http://paperescape.myctmh.com

Until next time,

Happy Crafting!

Baby Shower Circle Album

2009-06-10T11:02:00.000-07:00

I like to use these circle albums as keepsake gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, or in this case showers. They are small enough to be quick and inexpensive, yet always appreciated momentos of a special event.

Here's an inside shot.

All materials are CTMH unless otherwise noted:

Circle Album
Paper Garden paper pack

Paper Garden Stickease

Colonial White ribbon collection

assorted buttons

Frame of Mind stamp set
Cricut cutouts

To purchase supplies go here: http://paperescape.myctmh.com /

Flower Shop and a Brief Word on Focus

2009-06-09T15:00:00.000-07:00

It's true. I can't get enough of these adorable cards in a box. They remind me of window shopping. Again, thank you Mothermark for the inspiration. This one is aptly named "Flower Shop."

The sign on the flower shop reads "Happy Birthday;" however, there is virtually no chance this creation will ever leave my studio to become someone else's birthday card. I've simply bonded with it and I can never let it go.

Three tiny flower pots sit in the window - each embossed, edged with scalloped scissors, and tied with pink polka-dot ribbon. The nine flowers, stamped and and lovingly trimmed to release them from the cardstock, are surrounded by tiny green leaves - also stamped and trimmed. The inside is equally adorable with a border of leaves trailing from a bouquet of flowers in the corner. Please pardon my modesty - the card is nothing short of a masterpiece.

Now, for a brief word on focus: Surely we've all been admonished to "keep your eye on the prize," to "visualize the final outcome" to "ask and ye shall receive." So, here's my little story:

I wanted to make limoncello, however the recipe requires 24 large, perfect lemons. I

couldn't even find one decent lemon - even Costco was out. Life had given me Everclear, the other key ingredient to limoncello, but no lemons. Saturday afternoon I was lounging in the sun, wishing I had a batch of limoncello brewing - and guess who came to my door? A LEMON SALESMAN!! That's right. A door-to-door lemon salesman! Who knew that profession even existed?

I sense there is a moral to this story and when I figure out what it is, I'll get back to you.

Until then,

Happy Crafting!

Glass Block Tutorial

2009-06-03T17:21:00.000-07:00

These blocks are perfect as nightlights in the kitchen, baby room, or the wine cellar to light up that private midnight wine-tasting soiree (I'm not the only one who does that, am I?)

The first step is to drill a hole in the glass block. I can best describe this as a magical process about which I know nothing.

I bring home a box of blocks from Lowe's; my husband takes them out to his shop, works his magic and delivers them to my studio with holes drilled into the bottom of each of them. I think diamond drill bits are part of the process, but that's just a guess.

Were I ever to ever learn how to drill holes, I'd probably be expected to do it myself. Better that I save my energy for the vastly more important work of stamping.

Here are the rest of the materials:
Christmas lights - small strand that you can stuff into the block

Mulberry paper
Stazon black ink pad

Other ink pads
Stamp of choice - I used a grape set from CTMH

Liquid Glass (CTMH)

Water brush

Glass of wine

I cut out two pieces of mulberry paper slightly larger than the block.

I use the water brush to paint a water line just inside the ridge of the block. Then, I tear the paper along the water line. This makes a nice feathery edge

Next, use a water resistant ink - like Stazon to stamp the image on both pieces of mulberry paper.

Stamp with wild abandon, randomly scattering the image across the surface. If you're worried about mistakes and fear of imperfection causes you to hesitate, refill your wine glass and try again. Mulberry paper is cheap. Now is the time to claim artistic courage.

Now for the fun part - coloring. I do this in different ways. This stamp set is two-part; so there are outline stamps and inside stamps. When possible I stamped the inside of the image using the appropriate color of ink.

Sometimes I use the water brush to pick up some ink from the pad and use it to delicately paint in the image. Mulberry paper is quite absorbent and you will probably have to use less of the damp ink than you would guess. I started with brush in the center of the grape, and let the color wick around until it filled up inside the lines.

Oh yeah, it's messy. Be sure to have a good absorbent pad under your mulberry paper.

In fact, the pursuit of artistic courage is messy, often involving ink that strays beyond the Stazon border. (maybe we need Staz In - hahahaha)

Anyway, to soften of the edges, I use a sponge with chocolate ink to "antique" the image.

This next step began as an attempt to hide some particularly messy coloring, but I liked the outcome so well that I use it on almost all the blocks now.

I spray the entire square with adhesive and sprinkle with a really fine, clear glitter. The resulting subtle sparkle gives the final project a polished look.

Spread liquid glass, or something similar evenly across the surface of the block using a sponge applicator.

A couple of times I've adhered the mulberry paper upside down (remember the hole for the lights is on the bottom of the block) Grrr - hate when that happens.

Finally, stuff the lights in the hole.

Voila - a completed lamp. Okay, it isn't complete. It still needs a bow. I'll try and post the bow making tutorial tomorrow.

Happy Crafting!

A Cheery Thank You

2009-05-13T16:53:00.000-07:00

Easy? Yes, very easy. The best part about the Cuttlebug is the quick texture that gives an easy card a polished look. Of course, I remember when embossing was significantly more complicated than cranking a sheet of paper through a contraption. I still enjoy the nostalgia of old fashioned hand embossing with a light box and stylus; however, as I mentioned in an earlier post, I had to produce several of these in a couple of hours (late hours.)

When I'm tired, as I often am as my crafting usually takes place between dinner and the 11:00 news on school nights, the repeated action of creating identical cards soothes me. This one was really soothing.

Details: Stamps: All CTMH (of course) Treasure Life and Endless Love; Cardstock - all ctmh, flower and brad - CTMH. Cuttlebug, and ribbon from unknown source.

Happing Crafting!

Flower Pots

2009-05-12T17:25:00.000-07:00

Aren't these perfectly adorable??!! They look difficult, but this tutorial made them a breeze!

The flowers on the left are all punched (easy peasy) On the right they are stamped using CTMH's Cottage Floral stamp set and cut out by hand (more satisfying.)

I stamped the pot with one of those "distressed" background stamps by rubber stampede.

We will make some of these this summer for the Hostess club. Can't wait, can't wait!

Happy crafting!

Wedding Wishes

2009-05-12T16:31:00.000-07:00

Frankly, I would rather take a beating than go to a wedding. Unfortunately, no one ever offers you that option, hence today's wedding card. I ended up making a dozen of these; one for the happy couple, one for my very sweet and helpful upline that gave me the paper to finish my dozen, and one to display. The rest were for a swap.

I hope it doesn't look easy, because it certainly wasn't. The design began as a 5 inch square. Prior to packaging them for the swap, I reread the directions and discovered I'd actually signed up for a 4.25 x 5.5 swap. Grrr. However, all was not lost. The swap host suggested I mount them on black paper, then on white paper and submit them in the still open six inch square slot. Then I had to make ten more cards in the size I'd actually signed up for. Fortified by a blender of margaritas, I completed the task by midnight. I suppose it's my Karma for continually nagging my students to "read the directions."

I don't color very well (the coloring is quite awful.) So, I sprayed an adhesive over the whole oval and coated it with glitter. Beautiful! I love it when I'm clever!

Details: Stamp: CTMH "Now and Forever" Paper CTMH card stock: Black, White, Blush, CTMH ink and colored pencils, Swiss Dots Cuttlebug folder, and Nestibilities

Happy Crafting!

A Dreadful Day

2009-05-11T18:09:00.001-07:00

I had poor Bulldog neutered today and the whole experience has left him feeling terribly disheartened.

I'm tortured by guilt. He's so miserable, so not-manly, so betrayed. I feel awful - like I might go to hell for disfiguring my dog. I had no idea he would be so miserable in the hours following the "experience."

I grilled a sirloin steak for him about an hour ago. His mood lightened considerably for a few minutes after his feast, but now he's back to being sad. Did Dante mention a level of hell for dog neuterers? If so, I'll probably spend eternity there.

I'm sorry Bulldog.

Lots of Cool Stuff!

2009-05-11T17:49:00.000-07:00

What is the best part of being a Close To My Heart Consultant? Lots of great stuff!

For only $99, you can start a new adventure today. Look at all of the great stuff you get from CTMH when you purchase this kit:

But wait. There's more:

You can choose to add this Scrapbooking Bonus for only $60 ($180 value)

And still more: You can choose to add this cardmakers kit for only $50 ($150 value)

It is a wonderful thing to earn money doing what you love to do. It is a fabulous thing to earn the money to pay for all your scrapbooking. It is a spectacular thing to get lots of stuff way below retail when you sign up.

Lovin' From the Oven

2009-05-11T15:29:00.000-07:00

Any sense that I might be incompetent, unworthy, or inadequate was completely eradicated by my weekend card making activities. Inspired by Mother Mark's acrylic box cards (go here, they are fabulous) I created this little gem for my daughter's birthday. Certain she could never appreciate it as much as I do, she was coerced into granting me custody of the card until she turns thirty or earns her first master's degree which ever comes first.

Dozens of acrylic boxes lie (lay?) unused in a drawer, relics of my abandoned commitment to making cards by the dozen and selling them at craft shows. Can you imagine how tickled I was to find that Mother Mark had put them to use as "windows?" What a delightfully inspired idea!

As so often happens when my crafting time coincides with cocktail hour, a wine induced optimism led me to believe I could create several of these cards in an evening. We always celebrate Mother's day with my daughter's birthday and I certainly couldn't present this work of art for my daughter while my mother got something flat and ordinary. I won't make a short story long, so to sum it up, all the attending mothers and daughters got great cards. However, my cheery mood turned rather sour as the minutes turned to hours, then more hours, and a few more hours (I work slowly). The next morning I was so delighted by the fruits of my labor that all grumpiness soon departed. The truth is, making a beautiful card (even one shamelessly copied) fills me with a god-like sense that paper bends to my will, and I will happily trade a few hours sleep for that!

Details: Paper: CTMH "Daydream"; Stamp "Cupcake Sprinkles" Acrylic box from PTI

Happy Crafting!

Scrapping the Dead

2009-04-19T12:19:00.000-07:00

Admittedly, defining what I do as "scrapping the dead" casts a gloomy pall on my favorite past time. However, I am in the midst of completing heritage album #13 and, as a result, I feel I am building a closer relationship with the dead than with the living. I don't perceive this as a bad thing, after all the dead are infinitely, endlessly agreeable, and the living... not so much.

You're probably not wondering about my fascination with dead people and the photos they left behind, but I will fill you in anyway. The details are hazy in my mind, however, I believe it dates back to my days as a young student attending a girl's boarding school in Minnesota. While weekending with my roommate's family we were sorting through a box of old family photos and happened upon some pictures of children who were resting in boxes. I had an uneasy feeling about those boxes even before her mother told us the truth about them. In a tone that suggested she thought we were both silly and stupid for not knowing, she uttered the word, "casket."

That single word shattered my paradigm about what happened when people died. Granted, in my sixteen years of life my mental models concerning death weren't well developed. At that time they were overshadowed with images of angels delicately lifting the dead person to heaven while the family stood by quietly weeping. Obviously, that level of naivete couldn't last long. But replacing that image with one of greiving relatives snapping photos of their dearly departed was quite a jolt.

Later, I learned that the curious practice of photographing the dead dated back to Victorian times. People who couldn't afford to have a portrait painted of their loved ones could afford to have them photographed. Photography was still expensive and, often a post-mortem photograph is the only picture of the person. Multiple prints were sometimes purchased and mailed to distant family members. (Can you imagine opening that piece of mail? - "It's a letter from Uncle Henry... he doesn't look well....")

Strangely enough, not everyone was satisfied having the last photo of their loved ones in a position of repose. Some chose to prop them up in more life-like poses. It's pretty easy to spot a post-mortem photo if the subject appears to be sleeping in a casket; it's much more challenging to spot signs of life (or death) if he or she is propped in a chair. Thankfully, the Victorians didn't have camcorders or this practice of making the dead appear life-like could have taken a gruesome turn.

Unfortunately, I do not own a single post-mortem photograph. However, my fascination with them led me to sort carefully through every old picture in our family photobox. As I scrutinized each one for tell-tale signs of death, (sunken eyes, an unnatural positioning of limbs, a curiously vacant expression etc.,) I grew curious and somewhat obsessed with all of these people who were my heritage.

Working together, my sister and I are gradually transforming the old box of pictures into scrapbooks for all of our neices, nephews, and children. Pictures by themselves eventually become never-to-be-solved-mysteries. Scrapbooks, on the other hand, communicate the essence of family across the generations and illustrate the blessed ties that bind us together through the ages.

Details...Details...Details
This is one of 2 two-page layouts to be completed in a worshop that will be held May 9th. Look here for more information.