The Hopeful Crafter

Tennis Revisited

2012-01-29T15:38:00.001-05:00

I've taken several classes at my local bead shop, The Bead Hive, which were taught by the very talented Sue Snell. Sue calls these "Tennis Revisited". They are simple yet very beautiful and are quick and easy to make. I used 1.5mm Japanese cube beads, 11/0 seed beads and finally 3mm bicones all on 6 lb. Fireline. The combination of colors is endless!

Lekku Neckace

2012-01-24T20:10:00.001-05:00

This necklace was quite the challenge. I found the instructions in Rachel Nelson-Smith's Seed Bead Fusion book and fell in love right away. I'm currently in my "beading period" which may be followed by some other craft or revert back to a previous one - who knows. I purchased all my supplies from local bead shops and went to work. The directions were relatively easy and I found myself moving right along. There are two stages to this piece - the rope base and the embellishment. I followed Rachel's directions and used "beading thread" - I think it was nymo. I was about 90% done when I looked down and was shocked to find the drop embellishments in the middle coming apart. I used double thread just like Rachel suggested and was dumbfounded. Since this piece is worked in a netting style there was just no way to repair it. I had to take the entire thing apart. I think my husband was more upset than I was. I knew how many night he went to bed alone while I stayed up beading this behemoth and the thought of a repeat was a bit shocking to him.

Anyway, I'm a glutton for punishment I guess and I separated all my beads and started again. This time I used 6 lb Fireline DOUBLED for the entire piece. I figured better safe then sorry. It came out really pretty and much chuckier than I had imaged. I typically wear simple pieces so on Christmas Eve I wore this with a simple white blouse and black slacks. Boy did it stand out. I received many compliments and no one could believe I made it. I even had someone place an order for two bracelets I made - thanks Nikki!!

I'm not sure I will ever make this again. It was very time consuming and used tons of beads which add up after a while. However, it's a special "statement" piece that I will always cherish!

Translucent Bead Necklace

2011-08-20T21:06:00.000-04:00

Just completed another polymer clay necklace/earring set. The beads are made of translucent clay with silver foil and bit of alcohol ink. I'm still playing with wire wrapping so the herringbone weave around the focal bead is not perfect. The earrings are wire wrapped but I can see that where the wire meets the jump ring needs to be redone. I still like the overall look.

The Dawn of a New Craft

2011-08-18T22:45:00.000-04:00

For the past few months I've been hankering for a new craft. Don't get me wrong I still love to make cards and color with my copics. But I inherited the "craftaholic" gene from my mother and in a moment of weakness I caved to the urge.

What new craft you ask?? Polymer Clay! Several years ago (aka BTF - before the flood) I played around with polymer clay and made a few figures. I had a few tools and some clay but put it aside for awhile. In September 2009 we experienced a pretty bad flood that resulted in 5 ft of water in our garage and my husband's workshop. All my crafts except my scrapbooking stuff were a total loss. I can't begin to think of the monetary value - we're talking tons of stuff from sewing patterns, material, decorative paintings supplies, clays, cross stitich, needlework, etc. My husband loss more - all his power and woodworking tools. We even lost our boat and SUV. So now any craft results in a trip to Michael's or ordering online to replace all the things I once had.

For the past few weeks I've been playing around with PC (polymer clay) and rather than making figurines I wanted to learn how to make beads for jewelry. Now this is a fabulous craft - I just love it!! Each week I buy more clay, more jewelry findings, more tools, more wire - it's endless. I so enjoy making the beads and then stringing them into a necklace and earrings. I've even begun to play around with wire wrapping to add a more decorative touch.

Below are two sets I made and sent to my sister in NJ. She was supposed to pick one for herself and give the other as a gift. I just learned she kept both but then mom stole one. Now she's telling me she wants something "lime green". I would like to hear your thoughts on these creations. My photography isn't the best but I hope you can see that the set in the first photo is bronze/gold mokume gane beads. I learned this technique from Cindy Leitz's Polymer Clay Tutor website. The second set happens to be a favorite of mine. It's supposed to replicate onyx. While I would like to take credit - I actually got the step by step instructions from Carol Blackburn's "Making Polymer Clay Beads" book. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning this craft. I'm a beginner but there are so many techniques that I'm sure advanced clayers would find it useful as well.

I have another set ready for the camera but I want to work on building a photo tent so my pictures come out better. All comments are greatly appreciated!

My Magnolia Stamp Index

2011-06-27T23:57:00.002-04:00

This week is one where we find ourselves with no baseball games. It's slightly weird not packing up the cooler, folding chair, and preparing to chant - 1-2-3 GO COUGARS! The boys played in the District Tournament this weekend and came so close to moving up in the bracket. Their last game against a very strong local team found our boys ahead 11-0 at the bottom of the 3rd inning. All they needed to do was hold the home team and the game would be over. Unfortunately, the boys lost a bit of the "eye of the tiger" and thought they had the game in the bag before it actually ended. The other team ended up winning 11-12. Funny thing is - I think the parents are taking the loss a lot harder than the kids! Go figure! We have no tournaments this weekend and Georgia State tournament next weekend. Regardless of how it turns out - this has been a summer of a lot of fun, making new friends - parents and kids alike!

Anyway, many of my "Maggie" friends on the Magnolia-lious Yahoo group have been hoping someone would take the time to create a database of all the Magnolia stamps available. Someone (I am really sorry I don't know who it is) created an Excel spreadsheet that included the name of the stamp along with the corresponding collection. I decided to take this spreadsheet a little further.

I created the index in MS Word since it would allow the image to stay within the table. This index isn't completed yet but it does start with 2007 Summer Collection and continues through the latest 2011 Sweet Rainbow Collection. The index includes the stamp name, collection, image, and a check box so you can check off the stamps you have already purchased. The file was so large I had to split it up. The first contains stamps from Summer 2007-2008. The second file are all the stamps from 2009-2011. I will warn everyone - the two files total 129 pages right now and roughly 23 mb so be prepared with lots of paper and ink if you plan on printing it out. You may want save the file and take it to Office Depot or Kinko's and have them print it for you. I'm not sure how much they'll charge but it may be cheaper than doing it yourself. You can always just keep it as a "soft" copy if you'd like.

I will update soon to include the older collections and any news that come in. I hope everyone finds this helpful.

Magnolia Stamp Index 2007-2008

Magnolia Stamp Index 2009-2011

Birthday Cake Card Tutorial

2011-06-08T21:30:00.005-04:00

I need to apologize to everyone who was hoping a tutorial for the birthday cake easel card would be posted shortly after I posted the card. We are "baseball central" at our house. Our 10 year old son is playing on a youth all-star baseball team this summer. For those of you who have no idea what this means let me put it this way - it's baseball, baseball, baseball - EVERYDAY! I'm not complaining but it doesn't leave any time for blogging. My son will practice two or three days per week and then play in tournaments four or five days per week. Oh yes - don't think you're given notice to plan because that doesn't happen. For instance, he has a game this friday at 5pm, and two games on Saturday - one at 2pm and another at 6pm. However, Sunday is "bracket" day which means we could play one game or three games and who knows what time. Absolutely crazy!! But we love it and our son is having an absolute ball - no pun intended.

Ok I digressed... I have been asked to create a tutorial for the birthday cake easel card I made back in April. I do not take credit for "inventing" this masterpiece. I wish I knew who did because they deserve a big applause. I saw this card on several blogs over the last few months and found one written in Swedish that I was able to follow. So, since this is the blog I used to create my card I will give credit to Elein Malein. I used her directions and added a bit of my own embellishments to create my card. If you are interested in step by step directions in English here's my tutorial - I do hope you make one and let me know the results!!

Supplies

Supplies Needed:

Card Base: (1) cardstock 12” x 5 ½”

Card Front: (1) designer paper 2 ¼” x 5 1/8”

and (1) designer paper 2 ¾ x 5 1/8”

Card Inside: (1) designer paper 4 ¾” x 5 ¼”

Candle Box: (1) cardstock 3 ¼ " x 4 ¼"

Cake Top: (1) cardstock 2 ¾” circle

Cake Side: (1) cardstock at 1 ¼” x 9”

Extra designer paper for decorating - optional

Extra cardstock for matting - optional

6 birthday candles, ribbon, small piece of acetate,

embellishments for decorating,

paper cutter, scissors, glue, bone folder

Step 1: Card Base

Step 1

Card base: Cut cardstock at 12” x 5 ½”. Use your favorite scoring tool and score 3", 5 5/8" and 6 3/8".

Step 2: Card front

Step 2:

Card front 1: Cut designer paper at 2 ¾” x 5 1/8”

optional: adhere to cardstock mat cut at 2 ¾” x 5 ¼”.

Card front 2: Cut designer paper at 2 ¼” x 5 1/8”

optional: adhere to cardstock mat cut at 2 5/8” x 5 ¼”. Cut a piece of ribbon 11” long and adhere to card base front from edge toward 3” score line. Adhere “card front 1” to card base, centering it over ribbon.

Adhere “card front 2” to card base, centering it between 3” score line and 5 5/8” score line.

Step 3: Cake side

Step 3:

Cake side: Cut piece of cardstock 1 ¼” x 9” and score it at 1/4" and 1" on long sides.

Step 4: Cake Side

Step 4:

Cake side: Take cardstock and cut small triangle from edge to ¼” score line and repeat on opposite side. This will allow paper to wrap around the cake top without creasing.

Step 5: Cake Side

Step 5:

Cake side: Cut cardstock at 1 ¼” x 9” and use border punch to create decoration for cake side.

Step 6: Cake Top

Step 6:

Cake top: Using your favorite circle cutter (i.e. Nestabilities, Cricut, etc.) to cut a 2 ¾” circle from cardstock. Optional: cut slightly smaller circle from designer paper and adhere to cardstock circle.

Step 7: Cake Top

Step 7:

Cake top: Punch six holes around cake top same diameter as candles.

Step 8: Cake Top

Step 8:

Cake top: Decorate cake top as desired. Optional: Use snow maker marker to simulate frosting.

Step 9: Cake Assembly

Step 9:

Cake assembly: Bend all the small triangles away from center of cake side strip and apply glue to them. Wrap strip underneath cake top as seen in photo. Use small piece of tacky tape to inner end of strip to close it.

Step 10: Candle Box

Step 10:

Candle box: Cut cardstock to measure 3 ¼ " x 4 ¼" - this will fit 6 candles. Using your favorite scoring tool, score the shorter side of paper at 1/2", 7/8", 2 3/8" and 2 3/4". Turn the cardstock 90° and score at 1/2", 7/8", 3 3/8" and 3 3/4".

Step 11: Candle Box

Step 11:

Candle box: Cut away the shaded areas in the photo to the red lines. Cut on score line indicated by green line in photo.

Step 12: Candle Box

Step 12:

Candle box: Trim tabs and fold score lines as shown in photo.

Step 13: Candle Box

Step 13:

Candle box: Cut small rectangle in center of candle box – be careful not to go past score lines.

Cut small scrap of designer paper to measure 2 ½” x 1 ½” and punch small decorative window in center and adhere to box top covering slightly large window. Adhere acetate to inside of box.

Step 14: Candle Box

Step 14:

Candle box: Use small scraps of designer paper to decorate sides of box if desired.

Fold at score lines to create box leaving one top end open to allow access for candles

Step 15: Card Inside

Step 15:

Card Inside: Cut designer paper to measure 4 ¾” x 5 ¼”. Dry fit candle box and cake to mat. Use pencil to lightly mark location of candle box. Do not adhere mat to card base yet.

Step 16: Card Inside

Step 16:

Card Inside: Using the pencil markings created in step 15 as a guide – cut small two small slices (indicated by red line) on mat to feed ribbon.

Step 17: Card Inside

Step 17:

Card Inside: Cut matching mat for designer paper at 5” x 5 3/8”. Adhere designer mat to cardstock mat making sure ribbon has already been fed through slits. (Photo shows candle box and cake already adhered to mat but this is more easily done in step 18)

Step 18: Card Inside

Step 18:

Card Inside: Cut ribbon at 11” and glue to inside of card base from the 6 3/8” score line to edge. Adhere card inside mat to card base and center over ribbon. Adhere candle box and cake to mat.

Step 19: Card Finish

Step 19:

Card Finish: Use ribbon to close card and have some fun decorating card front. For example, stamp a cute image and color, add a sentiment and flowers – be creative!

Birthday Cake Easel Card

2011-04-29T12:54:00.002-04:00

There have been a few versions of this card on the web and I fell in love with it immediately. It wasn't until the other day that I found directions. I copied off the instructions but failed to write down the link to the blog. I am so sorry about that because this person's card was very beautiful.

I will at some point create a tutorial on how to make this very creative card so check back soon. It was really much easier than I thought! The stamp is "Leaning Tilda" which I won from Jacque's wonderful blog. I colored with Copics - BG000, B02, B05 (top); R32, R35, R37 (pants); E00, E11, E13, R20 (skin); and C3, C5, C7, C9 (hair). I even put a little border around the cake for additional decoration using a Martha Stewart border punch.

I hope you enjoy and once the tutorial is uploaded you must make one yourself!

My Version of a Mini Purse Album

2011-04-10T17:06:00.004-04:00

A few days the very talented Cabio posted the cutest mini album that I just had to make. These little album's will make wonderful teacher and mother's day gifts. This one is made using the endearing "Brother & Sister" Magnolia stamp feature Tilda and Edwin. I just couldn't resist.

The frame mat behind Tilda & Edwin was cut on my Cricut with a SVG file I obtained for free from Penny Duncan's wonderful blog. You must stop by and grab some for yourself. I believe this one is called "Half Moon Scallop Frame".

I colored the image with Copics and Tilda's slip is diamond Stickles. I used G20, G21, G24 on Tilda's dress and B91, B93, B95 on Edwin's overalls with Y21, Y23, Y26 for his shirt.

When you lift the flap on the purse it reveals a space to adhere a photo

on the left and a gift tag in the pocket.

Here's a photo of all the Copics I used. It's much easier to include a photo

then an entire list since I used so many.

Maggie Triangle Tri-Fold

2011-04-07T16:22:00.002-04:00

It's spring break and I have the week off which has resulted in all these posts in one week. Who knows I may just post again tomorrow!!

This lovely little card is a Triangle Tri-Fold from SplitCoast Stampers. If you've never been to that site it's a must see for all papercrafters. The stamp is my favorite - Tilda with Hawaii Flower - just love her!! I used my i-rock to adhere the rhinestones on the scalloped oval Spellbinder nestabilities. The designer paper is DCWV "The Blossoms & Butterflies Stack". I also added a touch of diamond stickles to the lace on Tilda's dress.

Jacque's Romantic Window

2011-04-07T16:13:00.002-04:00

After receiving my candy from JACQUE I knew I had to get to work and create a card. My goody bag included the beautiful flowers you see from Shabby Chic and Leaning Tilda AND Romantic Window. How lucky can I get??? I decided to make to go to SplitCoast Stampers and find something special. I thought a recessed window card would be perfect. I used my craft knife to cut the window out of the stamped image and used pop dots to make Tilda appear to be truly leaning out of the window.

My cards are much simplier than many of the wonderful artists who share their treasures at the Magnolia-lious Yahoo group. I'm very slowly adding stuff to my cards which are typically one dimensional. Perhaps in the not too distant future I will feel comfortable enough enter a Magnolia challenge. Until then I'm practicing and loving every moment of it.

Tutorial: Post-It Easel Card

2011-04-07T14:16:00.005-04:00

In February I posted an Easel Card that also holds post-it notes. Some have asked for instructions on how I created it. I've never created step-by-step instructions before for any card I've made so I hope this comes out ok. I'm not sure who created the original Post-it Easel Card but I first saw it on Stephanie Hester's blog - My Card Shack - so I'll give her the credit. I changed her dimensions a bit in order to fit 3x3 post-it notes. So I hope these instructions work for you and please send me links to your own Post-it Easel Card!

Supplies Needed:

Paper Cutter

Bone folder

Scissors

Small circle punch

Permanent Adhesive

Cardstock for base: 4 1/4" x 9"

Cardstock for box: 4 1/8" x 4 1/8"

Carstock for card: 4 1/4 x 4 1/4"

Cardstock for card mat: 4 1/8" x 4 1/8"

Designer Paper for card mat: 4" x 4"

Step 1: Take cardstock for box that is cut at 4 1/8" x 4 1/8" and score 1/2" from edge on all sides. Cut score lines from edge to next score line. Do this on two parallel sides as shown above. Fold all sides inward using bone folder.

Step 2: If you'd like you can cut 4 strips of designer paper at 1/4" x 2 7/8" and adhere it to the back side of the the box. It's a lot easier to add the strips at this stage prior to the sides being closed than after. On one side punch a notch using small circle punch. Be sure to only punch half a circle.

Step 3: Place a bit of permanent adhesive on the small tabs created on each corner. The adhesive should be on the outside of the tab. Adhere the tabs to create box. Photo was take without the strips. I learned the hard way that this should have been before this step.

Step 4: Take cardstock for base that is cut at 4 1/4" x 9". Use paper cutter with bone folder or scoring blade to score cardstock on long end at 4 1/4", 4 3/4", and 6 7/8".

Step 5: Use bone folder to create a valley fold at 4 1/4" and 4 3/4" and a mountain fold at 6 7/8".

Here's another view of what the base should look like folded

Step 6: Place strong adhesive (I used scor-tape) from the edge of the card base to the mountain fold (edge to mountain fold measures 2 1/8").

Step 7: Take cardstock for card that is cut at 4 1/4" x 4 1/4" and adhere it to the base. The edge of cardstock base should match the top of the card. This will means the top half of the card is double layered. Adhere box to card base - if you leave 1/2" space all around the box will be centered.

Step 8 Optional: Adhere the cardstock mat cut at 4 1/8" x 4 1/8" to the card, and then place the designer paper cut at 4" x 4" on top of the mat. Decorate as you wish.

Spring is in the Air

2011-04-03T12:55:00.002-04:00

The sun is finally shining and the temps here in Georgia are rising. It's a beautiful spring day and sweet Tilda is out enjoying the day as well. I have been coloring, coloring, coloring and completely forgetting to actually assemble a card. I signed up for Angie Hunt's Distress Ink watercolor class over at Color Me Creative. I've been practicing but still not quite happy with the results. I suppose we are our own worse critics. Once my finished image meets my standards I promise to share!

The stargazer lily was made using a poinsettia svg file I found on the internet somewhere. I cut it using my Cricut with white cardstock, airbrushed it with Copics RV11 and little dots on the pedals were made with Zig's colorbrush "cola". Card recipe is:

Designer paper: DCWV Pocket full of Posies

Image: Tilda with Hawaii Flower and Wheelbarrow

Stamp Ink: Memento

Tilda's Hair: E21, E25, E29

Tilda's Skin: E00, E11, E13

Tilda's Dress: BV00, BV02, BV11, BV17 and Diamond Stickles on lace

Wheelbarrow: C3, C5, C8, E31, E33, E35, E37

Leaves & Grass: YG91, YG93, YG95, YG97

Flowers: RV11, RV13, RV17, RV19 with a little Diamond Stickles

YIPPEEE!!!!!

2011-03-31T09:05:00.005-04:00

I work full time at home for a large global corporation. Once I drop my boys at school I have plenty of time to read all my emails and check out some incredibly talented artists' blogs. If you take a look at my sidebar on the left you'll see not only some of my favorite blogs but also those who are generous enough to give away some blog candy or prizes.

So this morning like all others, I went through my email and got one from FeedBlitz which emails me the latest postings from my favorite bloggers. Guess what I read??? Ok here's what Jacque posted yesterday on her gorgeous BLOG:

WINNER of SWEET STUFF!!

Hello, everyone, and a happy Wednesday to each of you!! Thank you all so much for your sweet and kind comments and for participating in the Maggie and Shabby Chic SWEET STUFF. Mr Random.org has selected the winner according to his usual randomness and the winner is.....

197. Hope C. and it looks like this surprise is going to Marietta, Georgia.

Congratulations, Hope!! Please contact me by email before Friday, April 1, at 8 AM EST so that I can get your package out to you right away!

I'm so excited! I never win anything and this candy is just beautiful. It even includes two fabulous Magnolia stamps that I don't own. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU Jacque for this wonderful candy and I simply can't wait for it to arrive.

My First Magnolia Card

2011-02-09T22:24:00.008-05:00

A few weeks ago I came across a line of rubber stamps that features the most adorable little girl. The stamps are called Magnolia and I am quickly becoming addicted. Since receiving my first order two weeks ago I already own six stamps with another 5 on the way.

Tilda and Edwin are the characters from this company and come in an unbelievable variety of scenes. I am really drawn to those that are sitting. These little kids can then be masked and stamped again so they appear to be sitting on any number of items - benches, chairs, jars, etc.

The members of the Magnolia-lious group on Yahoo are the worst type of enablers. They create the most gorgeous cards which feed my addiction and force me to order more. Magnolia-lious seems to be the favorite vendor for these stamps so check them out!

A member of this group, Stephanie Hester, posted a link to her blog - My Card Shack - where she shared her Easel Card with Note Holder. Stephanie is incredibly talented so I couldn't resist and just had to make one of my own featuring Edwin with Pen. I changed the measurements of the card a bit in order to hold standard 3 x 3 post-it notes and included a little ribbon to keep it closed. I took a bunch of photos while I made this and will be happy to provide instructions and measurements in my next blog post. In the meantime, I'm happy with the results and hope you like it!

My Craft Room

2011-01-23T22:03:00.001-05:00

I belong to a wonderful web group - CricutLovers - on Yahoo group. The ladies and gents are the best around and are incredibly helpful with any question we have whether it is cricut related or not. They are also some of the most creative individuals I've seen in a long time and I envy the talent each of them possess.

Anyway, there was a thread today about how best to store a Cricut. For those who are not in the know - Cricut is an electronic die cutting machine. I have the Expression model so it's quite large. It took me sometime to find a home for it but I finally did. My craft room is also my office since I work full time from home. I have an Expedit bookcase/desk from Ikea which is a must have for any crafter. However, there was a space between the bookcase (a little behind my chair) and the wall that I needed to put a shelf of some kind. The problem was I had specific requirements - the width could not be bigger than the existing space, the height perferrably needed to match that of the Expedit, the back needed to open for plugs/cables, and the depth had to be deep enough for the Cricut mat to pass in and out. It was definitely a challenge since on top of all those requirements I refused to pay hundreds of dollars. My husband is really handy and is capable of make a custom shelf but after the massive flood we had in Sept 2009 his woodworking shop is not what it once was. So the search continued.

We found ourselves at the neighborhood Wal-mart and low and behold they had a chrome 3 tiered shelf for $20. At first glance it looked like the right size. I took it home and it was PERFECT! The only problem it wasn't tall enough. But the instructions said you could call Customer Service and they would mail you a kit to stack two together - for free! So I ordered a kit and went back to Wal-mart and bought another shelf. I could not have designed this unit any better had I done it myself. Here's a link to the shelf at Walmart just in case you're interested.

Here are the photos of my craft room - it's not a dream room but it's bigger than a corner in the living room I had before! The room was originally a goldish color but I repainted it lavender/purple to give me more mojo. Let me know what you think!!

Surprise Pop Up/Spinner Combo

2011-01-23T21:26:00.003-05:00

My work colleague, who is also a very good friend, has young daughter who was hospitalized for a week with pneumonia. It was very scary and I only wish I could have been there but she lives on the west coast and I'm on the east. All I could do was call and check in and listen to her when she needed an ear. Good news is her daughter is now home and on the road to recovery.

I wanted to create a special get well card for Abby and because she's an avid figure skater I borrowed a Tilda stamp from a friend and scanned and resized it for the card. Tilda is a beautiful little girl that is just too cute to pass up at Magnolia Stamps. The card is a combination Surprise Pop-Up and Spinner cards. Tutorials for both are on the "must see again and again" - SplitCoast stampers website. I also used a background/frame from my favorite artist - Dustin Pike. I think it works perfectly with little Tilda skating on a pond. I do hope she likes it!

ABC Challenge

2011-01-20T00:12:00.003-05:00

It's another late night and I just completed the ABC Challenge at http://abcchristmaschallenge.blogspot.com/ . I decided to participate because Dustin Pike is the sponsor. I absolutely love Dustin's digi stamps. I can't help but buy up all his images. They are so incredibly cute! He provides weekly freebies along with monthly memberships that are a great deal. Check out his blog and images!!

Anyway, back to the challenge. The rules of this challenge was to use any of Dustin's images in a Christmas card or project but the catch was that items used could only be black and white. The only color permitted was on the image itself. It took a little bit of time to figure out what I would do and then decided on a tent card with mulberry paper behind the window. I used a little bling on the snowman's sombero, glossy accent on the christmas lights, a little glitter on the snowman, and snow marker on the snow. I hope people like it.

ENJOY!

Monday Digi

2011-01-17T10:23:00.002-05:00

It's been quite awhile since I've posted. Holidays came quick and we hosted family and friends. Last week we experienced a snow/ice storm that shut Atlanta down for a week. After growing up in NJ it still shocks me when six inches can disable a city for so long. The kids were home all week and today is MLK so it's another day off. Thank heavens it's back to school tomorrow!

I just completed my first card challenge for HIGH HOPES Anything Goes Challenge. I used a Dustin Pike stamp along with a fish digi I created. I've never created a digital stamp before and have absolutely no idea what I'm doing. But thankfully my copics covered up the irregular lines created after I scanned the drawing.

ENJOY!

Teacher Gifts

2010-09-27T22:19:00.002-04:00

Halloween is fast approaching and then the holidays will be upon us. My parents, sister, brother-in-law and nephews will be traveling from NJ to GA to spend Thanksgiving with us. This will be the first time I hosted a holiday. My DH and I moved out of NJ 11 years ago so this will be a very special holiday for us. I also learned today that my oldest and dearest friend (we've known one another for over 30 years) will be spending Christmas with us. Steve owns a home in Seattle but works in LA, which is a long story. So our home will be packed this holiday season and we wouldn't want it any other way.

Each year I try and make something special for our boys' teachers. I've made apple butter, homemade relish (which is fabulous), and a magic bar cookie ingridient gift box. This year I decided to make a stationery set for them. I wish I could say I designed it but I'm really not that creative. My DH is impressed but I keep telling him that all I do is "lift" ideas from those that are much more creative than I. I've seen this set of stationery on several sites so I have no idea who is the real genius. I found the tutorial on SplitcoastStampers and the author is Jackie Topa so kudos to her!!

I really enjoyed making it and will be at Archiver's tomorrow buying more double sided paper to make at least two more. The large cards in the back are standard A2 which is 4.25 x 5.5, the note cards are 3 x 3, and the tags are 2.5 x 4.25. The little pocket next to the "friends" address/phone book will hold stamps. I plan on changing out the pen for one that is clear so I can roll the paper inside the barrel.

I hope you enjoy this and make one, or two, of your own!

SplitCoastStampers - Stationery Box

SHH! A birthday card

2010-09-19T14:42:00.000-04:00

My dear sister will soon be celebrating a birthday. Which one I won't say but let's say she old enough where no one cards her anymore but hasn't yet been given senior discounts!

I made this birthday card for her using Hot Off the Press's "Sweet Treat Pockets" template for the mug and tag.

I will be posting additional SVG files in the future so please check back.

Happy Birthday - Christine!

Apple for the Teacher - NOT!

2010-08-29T22:54:00.001-04:00

We live in Georgia and the kids have been in school since the beginning of August. I still find this incredibly weird since I grew up in New Jersey and school always started the first Tuesday after Labor Day. The only nice thing is the last day of school is the Wednesday before Memorial Day.

I created a new SVG file for all those school scrapbook pages people will be making in the coming weeks and months. This one includes a cute worm coming out to say hello. Not sure this would make a good impression on the first day of school but he was so cute I couldn't resist.

The SVG file produces a good size paper piece so please resize as needed. I did make a test piece so all the pieces cut nice. I hope you enjoy!

THANKS!!

Download Free SVG File Here

Treat Cup Instructions

2010-08-27T13:48:00.000-04:00

If I were really talented I would have created step by step instructions on how I created the Coffin Treat Card below. Actually, it really has more to do with time then anything else. I modified a technique used by Dawn Griffith on her video for a Valentine Treat Cup holder. If I find time I will write up the directions but for now here's a link to Dawn's video...

Dawn Griffith's Treat Cup Holder

Halloween Treat Card

2010-08-27T13:12:00.002-04:00

Last weekend I worked on creating a card that would hold a clear plastic treat cup. Sometime ago I purchased a few of these treat cups at Archivers. They're made from Stampendous and they have a backing to entirely close the cup. I cut the backing off and clipped the corners so it would lie flat against the card. I remember that Dawn Griffith created a valentine treat card sometime ago and based on her technique I created my Coffin Treat Card. I used SCAL to create the cut file, embossed with Cuttlebug Swirls, and the downloaded a digital image of the title. I haven't finished the inside yet but that's coming this weekend. The recipient of the card will pull the tag on the right to get the treats out. I now realize if have many more to make for nephews, niece, and friends. I hope you enjoy this!!

GET SCAL CUT FILE HERE

New Blog Candy!

2010-08-26T14:25:00.000-04:00

I just found this great website! Check it out and the BLOG CANDY!!!

http://paperinkcolor.blogspot.com/

Creepy Tree

2010-08-25T09:44:00.006-04:00

Good morning everyone!

It's been forever since I posted. Not sure why - just got wrapped up in day to day things. But I'm back and ready to post some new crafty stuff. My online friends at the cricutlovers Yahoo group have been inspirational and have given me the guts to try and create my own SVG files for all to share. Here's my first attempt in time for Halloween. The photo shows the yellow eyes but the file has them separate so you can cut the tree in one color and the eyes in another. I'm a complete novice at this so if the link or cut file doesn't work please let me know. Thanks so much checking this out!

CREEPY TREE

Download Free SVG File Here

Last Photo Card

2010-03-28T19:20:00.001-04:00

Just another rainy, dreary day in Georgia. When will the sun shine and the temp read 75-80? Spring break is only a week away and it's completely shocking that the temps are still in the 50s mid day. Well, the only good thing is my husband took our oldest to baseball practice which left me at home with the youngest. TJ is a quiet kid and happy to play alone or watch a movie. Batman series seems to be the hot movies now. SHHH - I hear the Easter bunny is bringing a few more Batman movies - but I want tell!!

While TJ was playing quietly I was able to finally finish the last of my photo cards. I needed to make twelve unique cards for the family. Ok maybe they didn't have to be unique but that's how I craft. I prefer creating only one maybe two of something rather than multiples. I suppose I will never have a craft show. Who cares - it's my enjoyment.

This latest card is a simple free standing pop-up card. The template is from SplitcoastStampers which is a must website for card makers. All I did was change the size in order for the photo to fit. I then ran the base through my Cuttlebug and embossed using stylized flowers folder, a little ribbon, a tag, stamp a quick sentiment, and voila! Hope you like it - and if so checkout the directions...

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/freestandingpopupcard

Hope everyone enjoys the week and I hope to post a new project very soon!

SUNday

2010-03-22T00:09:00.002-04:00

It was another rainy day in Georgia. Reports are calling for for more rain and cold tomorrow - in the low 50s. I moved out of NJ to get away from the cold. I can't wait for the warm weather.

Attached is another card I made tonight that will be going out to my brother in Chicago. I copied it from the latest issue of PaperCraft which is quickly becoming my favorite idea book. See page 84 - designer Crystal Birr. I'm waiting for the day that all these fabulous designers spark my personal creativity and grant me the gift of design. Until then - imitation will remain the sincerest form of flattery!

This card was made with Cuttlebug's Spots & Dots embossing folder, Stylized Dragonfly stamp from Rubber Stampede, and assorted cardstock.

I'm hoping this week will provide me with more free time to create some new cards.

Enjoy the week... until next time!

TwosDay

2010-03-15T23:17:00.006-04:00

Good evening y'all!

The first thing you'll learn about me is I'm a night owl. Don't get me wrong I wake up early but that's only because I have to get the boys ready for school. If I had my druthers I would sleep until 10 or 11am and then slowly get the day going. I usually go to bed rather late which means I average about 4-5 hrs of sleep per night. But the night time is when I feel the most creative. The kids, the dog, and my DH (dear husband for those not familiar with the acronyms) are all fast asleep. The hours after 9pm are all mine and I cherish them.

Today I finished another card and this one is "lifted" off of Dawn Griffith's website. Dawn is a Stampin' Up demonstrator and has some wonderful card making videos on her website. Check it out!!

I used vellum for the glass and dabbed it with mustard archival ink. The paper is DCWV "Sweets" and I used "Spots & Dots" folder in my Cuttlebug to emboss the green background.

http://dawnsstampingthoughts.typepad.com/dawns_stampin_studio/

Have a great day!

Monday Monday

2010-03-15T00:49:00.003-04:00

Work has been really busy so I haven't posted in awhile. Also, I've been playing around with the blog template. Thanks to the kevinandamanda website for teaching me how to make my own background. I'm not sure it shows right on all computers though. I think the problem may be monitor resolution. I just bought a new computer with a fab 23" HD monitor. The recommended resolution for me is 1920 x 1080. However, when I view the blog on my kids' computers the posts look off. I apologize if it looks bad on your monitor too. If anyone knows how to correct this I'd love to hear about it. I'll continue to play and hopefully fix it.

Ok - so for more cards. I made more cards that hold 4x6 photos. Spoiler alert to family - you're all getting a card in the mail with the attached photo. I wanted it to be a surprise but oh well!! The tree was made using my Cricut Expression and the Serenade cart.

Hopefully you're inspired to create your own cards and will give me a link so I can be inspired by your work.

Til next time....

My First Blog

2010-03-01T08:32:00.001-05:00

This is my very first blog and I'm learning on the fly how this whole "blogger" thing works. I enjoy reading other crafting blogs and thought why not me?? I've been crafting since I was a young girl living in NJ. My mom passed the craft gene on to me and I can't thank her enough.

The name of my blog comes from my first name - Hope. If anyone is inspired by my projects that would be a thrill. I consider myself to be a "jack of all trades and a master of none" when it comes to crafts. I crochet, knit, decorative paint, cross stitch, polymer clay, scrapbook, and recently card making. Perhaps you'll see a little of everything but who knows!

Below is a card I made over the weekend. I didn't take a picture of the inside but it holds a photo. I used my Cricut Expression "Serenade" cartridge for the trees and the pattern paper is from BoBunny. This is not my own design - I "lifted" it from the latest issue of PaperCrafts. Thank you to Heidi Sonboul who designed such a beautiful card for us to enjoy.

ENJOY!