I Spy Christmas Ornament

Merry Christmas Everybody,

I know you are all full from all the festivities so I will share with you a quick handmade ornament I made for my Mom this year. It's her first year as a Grandma and I wanted to make something that she and her Granddaughter can share when we come to visit, so I made an "I Spy Ornament."

I filled an empty ornament with a rose, sled, poinsettia, pink pacifir, and other Christmas ornaments, baubles, and buttons and then filled the bulb with faux snow.  Gave it a good shake and viola, instant ornament.  I must admit filling the bulb with items was the most fun!!

Now I can't take all the credit.  I got the idea from Pinterest. Just search for "I Spy Ornament" and it will come right up.  Now I have to go and make one for myself.

I pray you all had a wonderful Christmas and your New Year us ever so bright!!

Kelli

SOC Altered Picture Frame Mini Album and Our Love Bug Introduction

Hi Everyone,

So with today being Thanksgiving I thought I would share with you a very special SOC project. This one is dear to me because it reminds me how truly blessed I am.  I was diagnosed with PCOS a long time ago and was told that I wouldn't be able to get pregnant naturally. That I would need medical assistance if I ever want children.  Last Thanksgiving I found out that I was pregnant.  This Thanksgiving she is four (4) months young, beautiful and healthy; Praise God!!

Some months ago I went to perusing my local Michael's and saw this really pretty picture frame and instantly had a great idea to take the frame and make a mini album out of it, so I picked up a couple of frames.  I started this project and then I put it down again.  Not sure if it was the tiredness from pregnancy or the fussy cutting, or maybe it was a combination of the two. Whatever it was, I walked away from the project.

Then I gave birth to our beautiful baby girl and crafting came to a near standstill.  A few weeks ago I picked the project back up and was inspired once again and this time I finished it.

I love, love, love how this came out!!  Oh, and introducing the star in this album, our Lil' Love Bug, Rebekah...

Up close and personal...

The back of the album...

Just pull the ribbon to open the album...

 I might go back and spritz the flowers with a little Lindy's but otherwise I really like it. I have this frame hanging up at work on my cubicle/desk wall.  I attached black card stock to the frame and turned it into an accordion mini album.  I admit the 2x3 pics are a little dark because I printed them on the printer at work and couldn't adjust the settings, but I am going to print them through Walmart or Snapfish and then put them in.

There are many different options to choose for a hanging or put a stand on the back, but I chose the ribbon.

This project came out so well I can't wait to do it again.  So there you  have it.

I have never known such bliss as much as being a Mom.  I am truly blessed!!  Thanksgiving is so much more meaningful this year.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!!

Kelli


What I used…
~Michael's $1.50 bin frame
~G45 Ladies Diary 6x6 pad
~Recollections Black Card Stock
~Ranger Black dabber paint
~Butterfly Punches
~Glossy Accents
~Straight pins
~Acrylic Beads
~Studio G Flat Back Pearls
~Trico Roses in Peach
~Recollections Roses in Ivory

S.O.C. October project

Hi Everyone,

October is synonymous with pumpkins. We carve them, bake them, chuck them, and do a host of other things with them. Well for my SOC DT project today I used my as the inspiration for my card and I colored one.

I was gifted a stamp some time ago, love the image and have been waiting for the perfect time to use it; and today is the day. 

I stamped her on kraft card stock and colored her in with my copuc markers. I love the color that you get using browns on kraft instead of white.  It's like I have a whole new set of markers.  I paper pieced her pumpkin outfit because sadly I have not invested in orange Copics, yet.  The pattern paper I used is from K & Company, Tim Coffey Fall Mat Pad.

So there you have it, my project for today.

I hope you try coloring on kraft card stock and let me know how you like the results.

Kelli

Cutting Edge Magaine DT Project - Money Envelope Project

Hi All,

As i was going through a list of al the projects that I have created blogs for I came across some posts that I had not shared.  This is one of them...


Hi Everyone,

Yes I know it has been a bit over a week since I have posted but a lot has transpired.  First, I GOT A GAZELLE!!!!  I am super excited!  And it is up and running.  It took a minute to do because I was facing opposition I needed a new/used computer so that it would not interferre with the main PC that Hubs uses to work on.  So got that squared away, finally, and I AM IN LOVE.. This is a beautiful machine and I am looking for things to cut.  :D  I have been working on projects in the meantime though.

Today I am showing a project with a wedding theme.  Being that wedding season is upon us.  I love everything about weddings except for the family drama ;).  Never the less, after purchasing the engagement present or bridal shower gift or the wedding gift for the happy couple, we tend to also give the newlyweds a bit of cash to help them start their new life.  And that is where the money holder comes in.  Instead of just giving a card I used my beautiful Gazelle, a phrase from Ms Kate Cuttables and a file from My Grafico to create this Money Envelope.  I love how this came out.  The file is set to be used as a vertical pocket.

I wanted to add a BIG sentiment so I cut the flap down just a bit so it matched the other side, glued it all together and viola!  I adore this project. Quick and easy and perfect.  This can be used for other occasions than just a wedding day but I just love how it came out.

I added some Distress ink to the letters to help them stand out and not blend into that beautiful lace.

What I used...

Cut Files: (envelope) My Grafico, (sentiment) Miss Kate Cuttables
Patterned Paper: (Autumn Leaves) Bellisimo
Ink: (Tim Holtz) Victorian Velvet
Embellishments:  (Trico) Burgundy and Ivory Mulberry roses, Fabric roses
(Recollections) Metal key 
(Ebay) Flat-back pearls
(Dress-It-Up) Vintage buttons 
(Bridal) Stamens 
(Offray) ribbon
(Luv Unlimited) Antique Style Lace

Summer Fun Flip-Flop Box

Hi Everybody,

August marks the end of summer and a time to start putting away summer stuff and bring on the sensible shoes. Since there will be few times where flip flops will be ok to be worn I used my Gazelle and created the flip flop box. I chose to put candy in my box but it would be a great place for summer treasures found.

I used the Flip Flop Box file from SVG Cuts
Cardstock by Recollections - Jewel Tones
Patterned Paper by Colorbok - My Girl
I used Chipboard: Cereal box for the base of the  bottom and lid
Embellishments used is a Michael’s) Flower, and flatback pearl rhinestones.

I hope you enjoyed this project and that it inspires you to create your own summer keepsake box.

Kelli

September Project: Bushels of Love Apple Mini Album

Hi Everybody,

September marks a couple of fun days for me. First there is the 8 which is my anniversary. We are celebrating 7 yrs. The 17 is National Apple Dumpling Day, and the 26 Johnny Appleseed Day.  Then, 

With autumn approaching I find myself thinking about apples. Apple picking, apple cider, baking apple pies; all these things remind me of the wonderful memories with my loved ones. And sadly, I realize, I have no pictures of my loved ones at work, a crime I know. But I a great way to show them off, especially since we have a wonderful little bushel of Love to add to the family, was to create a little mini for their photos. Something small enough to stand on my desk but big enough to show their faces. So using the Sliced Apple file by Miss Kate Cuttables, I made an accordion style mini. This is such a cute mini, just big enough to keep the apples of my eye close to me. 

I cut the apple base (brown cardstock) out three times and the apple (red and cream cardstock) out six times for the front and back of the apple.

Then I cut two hinges at 2.5x1”, folded in half and adhered them to the base apple. The hinge corners did stick out so I cut them along the curve of the apple.
Lastly I inked the edges of all the cardstock and glued everything together.

And there you have it. A quick mini that is worthy to stand on my desk at work. Oh, and the apples really do stand up on their own. I kept my mini really simple but you could make your bunch of apples as colorful and elaborate as you like. 

Now I have just one question to ask you all, does anyone have any great Apple Dumpling recipes? All these apples have got me feeling hungry.

Kelli

Summer Fun The Disney Way

Hi Everybody,

Just wanted to share a quick post about some summer fun shared by Hubs and I.  July is a month of getting together with family and friends and just celebrating.  Wether it is our Nation' Independence, a wedding which July is known for, our just celebrating family, Whatever your plans for partying are/were just remember to make it memorable.

On a trip to Disney, Hubs and I spent time at Epcot visiting the countries, tasting the food, and we made a game out of trying to find as many Disney characters that we could and take a pic with them.  We SAW lots of them and would run over to them to take photo but by the time we reached then they had moved on to another location and we had missed our chance.  The only pic we were able to take that day was with Pluto who was actually heading home after spending all day in the park.

So this simple layout that I created using my cricut, Jolee designer stickers, and some basic shapes helps to remind me of how much fun, how memorable, and how much work is needed to finding Disney characters to take photos with.

Kelli


What's your most memorable summer adventure?

National Accordion (Mini Album) Awareness Month

Hi All,

So as I was going through the list of holidays for the month of June I found out that June is National Accordion Awareness month.  Now believe it or not I actually do like the sound of an accordion.  I don't know any famous players but I do have a healthy respect and appreciation for the instrument.

I also found out that June is the awareness month for a lot of disabilities and diseases that inhibit the quality of life that someone may have.

So I combined the the two causes and created a "Live Each Day" accordion mini album.

I chose to use some paper I had in my stash for way to long, Making Memories 5th Avenue Collection and 6.5x5.75 envelopes to create this project.

I hope this project inspires you to either Pick up the accordion, Live life to the fullest, or if nothing else, use your stash up.

Until next time everybody...

Kelli

Scraps of Color: National Stationery Week Project

Hello Everybody,

So May 20-23 is National Stationery Week and in honor of this week I have created a stationary pack filled with postcards ready to mail. And since May 4-10 is national postcard week and May is National Transportation Month, it all works together (postcards have to get to their destinations somehow right? -  Okay I may be stretching it on this one but you get my point).  Anywho here is my project.

I really like how this project came out.  The postcards are 4x6 and can be easily mailed with a postcard stamp. And I love the paper.  I printed some digi paper from Far Far Hill and found quotes online.  I added some other embellies to complete the project.  So there you have it.  I can't wait to mail off my postcards and I have plans to use some of my scrap pieces to make more postcards.  

I want to encourage you all to mail a postcard, write a letter, send a card...Handwriting is beautiful. :D

Kelli


What I used...
~Far Far Hill Digital Paper
~Lace from my stash
~Vintage Buttons
~Silk Roses
~Mulberry Flowers
~Recollections Swirl Rhinestones
~Recollections Cream Card Stock

Hello Card

Hi everybody,

So do you remember when I did the Prima Lyric Mini Album for a swap with a talented young lady in Sweden, well I made a card to accompany the package and i forgot to post it.  So when she shared the card on the FB group I grabbed up the photo and cropped it so that I could share it with you all. Then I asked the recipient if she could take a photo for me and she did and sent it and here is her photo. This one is better because you can click on the image and it expands.

It's a simple A2 (4.25x5.5) size card and I used the Mariposa Paper collection from DCWV and created this card. I used a variety of embellies on this card and i do love the way it came out.

I layered some lace, that I purchased at a local store here in OR on top of each other and I added some Recollections pink paper roses, silk white rolled roses from Trico, and flowers from my stash along with Studio 112 flat back pearls, Bridal pearl brad, and a crocheted Recollections flower.  Some stamens finish off the cluster and all this sits on a few Recollections leaves.  I added two wooden butterflies that I sprayed with homemade glitter mist (Pink Chiffon-Folk Art paint) and inked the edges with Vintage Photo distress ink.  I also used DecoArt gold Twinkles as the body of the big butterfly and some tiny pearls for the body of the little butterfly.  And lastly, using the Vintage Photo, I stamped Hello from  Stamp cluster from Michael's $1.50 bin.

And there you have a simple card to accompany the mini.

Just wanted to share this will you all, and I will see you all next time.

Kelli


If you missed the mini album you can click here to see it.  :D

Scraps of Color Dates to Remember Mini Organizer Project

Hi Everybody,

Lately I have been in a mode of finishing up projects I have started some time ago, not starting new ones - if I can help it, and getting things organized.  My Dad used to say, "Have a place for everything and everything in its place."  His words keep ringing in my head.  Maybe i'm entering into the nesting stage of my pregnancy.  

Whatever the reason, I also found out that April is also Records and Information Management Month. Which fits my "nesting" so I created a little mini to keep important dates together in one place.  Birthdays, Anniversaries, etc.

First page

Second and third pages

2nd page photo area

Page six and inside back cover

Page six photo area

Here is a quick video of the album in its entirity or watch on YouTube here.

I didn't takes pictures of each page but they are all constructed the same and created the pages of the mini using sheets from the 6x6 MME Nostalgia pad.  I folded a 6x6 page to create two pockets and a 2x2 foldout photo area on the back.  I used the lined journal paper on the front and back inside covers for more room to either write or cover with a photo.  

Then I assembled it together with hinges and decorated the front and I was done.  This was such a fun, quick, and easy mini organizer to create. And now all I have to do is fill it with important dates to remember. 

That's all for today everybody.  Thank you for spending time to see my project and I will see you all next time.

Bye

Kelli

Artful Mail Groupies Mini Album Swap

Hi Everybody,

Just sharing the mini album I made for swap at Artful Mail Groupies on Facebook.  Because I had to mail this off internationally and was in a bit of a rush to make the PO, I forgot to take up-close pictures but I did manage to pull together this video of the album.

To watch Directly on YouTube click here

I cut my bags in half and trimmed them down so that from one bag I have two 4.25" x 4.75" pieces.

Tags:
My large photo mats were cut at 4.25" x 4 5/8"
Designer paper was cut at 4" x 4 3/8"
Small tags cut at 2.75" x 4 5/8"
Small tag designer paper 2.75" x 4.5"

Binding:
I used a method similar to the "hidden hinge" method by Kathy Orta

Cover:
Recycled Chipboard cut at 4.75 x 5"

What I used..
~Black Celebrate It Bags
~Recollections Black Card stock
~Prima Lyric Paper Collection
~Trico Flowers and Leaves
~Recollections flowers
~Bridal Pearl Brads
~Bridal Stamens
~Studio G Pearls
~Michael's Metal Pieces
~Offray Ribbon
~Studio G Glitter Glue
~Doily
~Heart Button
~Tim Holtz Vintage Photo Distress Ink
~Michael's Crochet Flower
~7 Gypies Beaded Flower
~Skeleton Leaves
~Homemade Shimmer Mist using FolkArt Metalic Paint in Pink Chiffon

Practical Scrapper Shaped Card Project

Hi Everybody,

Today I want to share with you a project for Practical Scrappers.  The challenge was to create a shaped card.  So I Decided to try something a little different.  For my shaped card project I chose a digital stamp from Melonheadz, colored it up with my Copics, cut it out and then traced the shape and cut out the bigger size onto card stock.  Now I know those who are savvy enough can cut this using their die cutter, I just haven't tried it out on mine yet.

I also turned my card into an easel card so that it can stand on its own.  Now I know this is an Earth Day stamp but I just loved the image and thought it would be perfectly paired with Scripture verse John 3:16.  “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life."

Isn't it cute!!  So thats all for today. I had such a blast making this card and I love how any stamp can be turned into a card super easily!!

Be sure to check out the other project for some great ideas and inspiration.

Okay everyone, I will see you all next time.

Kelli


What I used...

Melonheadz 2012 Earth Day digi
Studio G Sentiment stamps
Michael's heart stamp
Studio G Red Glitter Glue
Recollections White and Jewel Tone Card Stock
Copic Markers:   Skin: E11, E13, E33   Hair: E59, 110   Globe: E07, E09, YG13, YG17, B93, B95   Shoes: Y21, E25   Bow: R11, R21

Scraps of Color (SOC) Design Project Mini Album

Hi Everybody

 Today I am so excited to share with you my first project made for Scraps of Color. The theme of this month's challenge that I chose was spring.  I have so been looking forward to Spring as I know most of you have been. The warmer weather, the flowers blooming, the warmer weather. Yeah I really missed Spring.

Since new life marks the beginning of Spring I decided to give new life to some cards that I had lying around from years, yes years ago and turn them into a little mini album.  When I first got back into paper crafts, and doing craft fairs, I made these note cards to sell at the shows.  As many of them sold, sadly a bunch did not.  This card set, that I named Lily at the time, was part of the bunch that returned home with me.

The covers of the mini are recycled chipboard that I covered with purple textured paper from         Core-dinations. I added some antique lace (my favorite lace), a G45 keyhole, MFT flourishes, and a collection of Yellow, ivory, pink and purple roses.  I accompanied the cluster with white and teal blue flat pearls. I also sprayed each rose with Lindy's spray.

I also used a Recollections key for the binding with some sheer yellow ribbon.  I used a Colorbok vellum quote, "Beauty of Creation" as the title of the album. There is an eyelet behind the loop in the key that acts as part of the closure. 

When you open the album you see the notecards and each envelope has a card that holds 3x5 photo(s) and or journaling.  I haven't added my photos yet and I definitely don't want to cover up the paper so I plans on using either vellum or acetate to create a fold out mat to hold more pics. 

I didn't adhere the binding strips all the way down so that additional photo mats and tags can slide underneath.

 I think it is a very sweet album and a great way to recycle some old cards. 

 You should definitely check out Scraps of color some more fabulous ideas and creations. These ladies are so very talented!

That's all for today.  See you all next time.

Kelli


What I used...
Recollections Metal Key
G45 Ornate Metal Keyhole
Colorbok Vellum Quote
Fiskars Kaleidoscpe punch
Antique Lace
Flatback Pearls
Offray Ribbon
Lindy's Stamp Gang - Clam Bake Beige