I made this card late last night, really like how it turned out, in fact might try more like this one today

Supplies List :-

• Choc Chip Cardstock from Stampin Up
• 12 x 12 Designer Series Choc Chip Polka Dots paper from SU
• Bazzill Kraft Cardstock
• American Crafts Clear Stamp Sets “Thanks” & “Shortbread”
• Uniball Signo Broad Opaque White Pen
• Sassafras Paper Whimsies – Rainbow Layers
• Basic Grey Nook & Pantry Buttons – clear choc brown
• Bazzill In Stitchz Floss – vanilla
• Dimensional Adhesives from SU & Stix2 3D Glue Dots x 2

I’ve been playing around tonight using nestabilities and acetate…

How much static do these cuttlebug’s create when your doing the nestabilities!! it must be that tanning mat that causes all that friction… It’s just sooo fiddley, trying to get it out from between the plates!!

I made this Normal sized card tonight, measurements and supplies list below : -)  You’ll have to excuse the lighting in the photographs, it’s nightime and the lighting in the workshop is not that great, but the 2nd picture does the vibrant colours justice.

I have also just started up an online shop at Folksy,  if you see a card you like and would like to buy it the link is on the sidebar of my blog.   To buy this card just click on this link to my Folksy Shop.

Supplies List : -

• A sheet of acetate, cut to make a card sized 98mm x 150mm
• Cuttlebug
• Nestabilities – Labels 1 Set
• American Crafts Cardstock in Sand
• 1 x Large Vibrant Olive Green Paper Daisy
• 1 x Lavender Button
• Bazzill In Stitchz Floss colour is Hillary Green
• Stix2 Small Glue Dots and a couple of 3d glue dots to adhere the button to the flower
• Technique Tuesday “Thanks for Everything” Clear Stamp Set
• Memento Dye Ink – Bamboo Leaves
• 2 x Hero Arts Green Gems.

I ordered some sticker sets in just to give them a whirl, and today I managed to get a play around with them..

Here are 3 Mini Cards all in neutral tones, quite quick to make and I had loads of fun making them

You’re the cats meow supplies list :

• American Crafts Cardstock in Sand and Vanilla
• Design House “pure cats” Stickers from Acard4U
• Technique Tuesday Clear Stamps – Dog & Pony Sentiments
• Prima E-Line Gems
• Stampin Up Dimentional Adhesive & Double Sided Tape.
• Uniball SignoOpaque White Pen – Broad

Scruffy Dog Supplies List :-

• American Crafts Cardstock in Sand and Vanilla
• Design House “a ride in the country” Stickers from Acard4U
• Bazzill Kraft Cardstock
• Fiskars Treading Water Border Punch
• 2 x Woodware Buttons from the Coffee & Cream Set
• Bazzill In Stitchz Vanilla Floss

Had a Ruff Day Westie Card Supplies : -

• American Crafts Cardstock in Sand and Vanilla
• Design House “pure westies” Stickers from Acard4U
• Bazzill Kraft Cardstock
• Fiskars Treading Water Border Punch
• Stampin Up Scalloped Circle Punch
• Technique Tuesday Clear Stamps – Dog & Pony Sentiments

I was at work the other night and noticed our Brontosaurus necklace just came in – I was inspired!

Brontosaurus Applique on a men's sweater

I crocheted the Brontosaurus to be sewn onto a sweater or tee – I think I’m going to put mine onto a dress! For men or women this little guy is going to have a ROARing good time anywhere he goes.

The Brontosaurus applique

A quick and easy card to make, the only fiddly bit was lining up the circles

Supplies List :-

• Acetate
• Large White Paper Daisy think it’s 3″
• 4 x Circles of White American Crafts textured cardstock
• Stampin Up Circle Punch
• Stix 2 Glue Dots
• Green Button
• American Crafts Thank You Stamp
• Memento Bamboo Leaves Ink

By Goldie

The Holidays are finally here, so I suspect that many of you will be doing a lot of entertaining at home.   Part of being a great host is creating a festive and inviting environment.  Table setting preparation is key, so to help you out I have created a couple of easy DIY placemats that will look great on your holiday table.  Not only are these projects quick and easy they can also be done pretty inexpensively.  I purchased these mats for under a couple of dollars and if you are handy with a sewing machine you can create your own from some colorful fabrics purchased at your local fabric store.

 Faceted Fringe

Jacquard Ribbon

 Cord Edge

Sewing is not necessary for these projects.  I used my glue gun to attach all the trims listed above.  M&J Trimming has a wide variety of trims to choose from, so be creative.  We’d love to hear about any of the looks that you’ve designed.

Happy DIY

By Blerona

Your wedding is probably going to be the best day of your life. And when it’s over your photos are all you have to keep the memory of your beautiful wedding day alive. They tell the story of your pre-wedding jitters and preparation to the cake cutting and sometimes even the honeymoon. Instead of keeping all those memories in a box, why not make a scrapbook out of it.

Here are some easy steps to make it more enjoyable

• Remember to keep mementos from the wedding such as invitations, party favors, confetti, champagne corks and other incredible embellishments. 
• Instead of getting guests to sign in the traditional guest book, get them to write on cards about a favorite memory, kindly marital advice or congratulatory messages. Then all these handwritten cards will go into a scrapbook together with the photos.
• Write down lines of a special poem or song on different pages of your scrapbook.
• Get second copies of photos from other people, especially if their shots are better than yours. What ever you choose make sure you absolutely love the photo.
• Lay out the pages in chronological order, you can add pictures from your first date, first kiss, first vacation, then engagement, showers, wedding and honeymoon.

Tip:  For a more creative look. Use materials such satin, grosgrain, and lace ribbons, rhinestones, sew-on jewels, buttons, beads, sequins, glass sequins, cords, tassels, appilques, nailheads and/or paillettes. Anything you can think of and you can pick up these supplies in one stop at  M&J Trimming.

I love coloring books.  They occupy the kids long enough that I can cook dinner, make a quick phone cal, or zip off a short e-mail with minimal interruptions — and they are not sitting in front of the TV.  While coloring, my children learn about sharing, they learn about colors, they get to be creative, and they develop their fine motor skills.  Did I mention that I love coloring books?

If you’re looking for some great activity books for the kids in your life, visit MindWare.com.  They have super cool coloring books—they’re creative, complex, and artistic.  There are:

• Coloring books featuring animals

• Books that teach about ancient cultures
• Books with transparent pages meant to be hung in windows like stained glass

• Books with amazing artistic patterns

They allow kids to get engrossed in art and create something really cool.  There’s also this set of books that have coloring, dot-to-dots, and simple number and word games.

With the holidays quickly approaching, these would make fun gifts or stocking stuffers.  If you’re looking for a way to keep kids occupied and content in the middle of the excitement and craziness of the holidays, these are all great options.  And while the kids are happily coloring, you just might be able to eke out a little time for yourself.  Bonus!

The Hubs and I are attempting to sell our early 1900s Craftsman/Mission round pedestal dining room table and chairs on Ebay.  I absolutely love our new Basque table from Crate & Barrel, and all of the increased horizontal flat space is fantastic especially when we bake, but I am really going to miss our first real dining room set.

Christmas 2008

It has been in our Long Island storage unit since July so I thought it was about time to finally sell it.  We originally purchased it from an antiques dealer in the Catskills for $1250 and it is currently at $375; however, over a dozen people are watching the auction.  Here is a link if you are interested http://bit.ly/8OKhaZ

For those of you who have noticed … that is my antique buffet that I bought at an auction Upstate for $3 before David and I moved to New York City.  It too is also in storage and will be for sale shortly … I think.  I am not sure yet if I should sell it or not … I really do love it and have been planning to dry scrape it for years to save it from the Shabby Chic stigma!

Project Gift Tag…. made entirely from  punched out pieces of card and paper … supplies list below

Supplies List : -

• Stampin Up Old Olive Cardstock
• Stampin Up 12 x 12 Merry Moments Patterned Paper
• Tombow Mono Multi Glue
• Uniball Signo Broad White Gel Pen
• Stampin Up Circle Punch (large)
• Woodware Circle Punch Small
• Bazzill In Stitchz Floss Limeade
• Bo Bunny Clear Merry Christmas Stamp Set
• Memento Ink in Bamboo Leaves

Giving in to what organisations want instead of sticking to what you know is right….or being too flexible so stakeholders take you for a ride……you are selling your birthright for power, prestige and connections.

Would you lose all morals for that……and it doesn’t have to be big, it can be as small as agreeing to something that you internally know you don’t like.

Don’t do it!  Stick to your guns…will it mean shooting yourself in the foot? sometimes but if you do things from a place of truth that is more important and it sets standards for those around you as well.

In the beginning of SSE when I knew I got in I shared what was happening with an American Indian/ Maori Seer that is a good friend of mine and she had simply shared how people will be in it for more than what you think etc

Sitting in a more realistic position now at the end of the year and reflecting on the amount of time I have put into this school, the people involved including stakeholders connected to the School and what they’ve asked from me is quite a sobering reflection. 

I have set up a social enterprise before and I haven’t set up this organisation yet and all year I’ve been disseminating information gained and entertaining relationships with everyone who pulls at you and your project and now I just want to withdrawal from all of it feeling distracted and so I can concentrate.  I’m disappointed with how little resources have been given to support our projects such as a Social Enterprise Business Plan – a basic tool I would have thought.

I can see clearly how SSE comes under SVA and how they organise everything including the Business Angels.  They’ve been writing an article about my relationship with the Angels throughout the year to encourage more Angels to work with students which is fantastic.  However, all the information I gave has been ‘edited’ which means changed to suit and some of it no longer true…… I’ve been asked to look over it but they want it signed off by lunchtime today.  incredible…..so I’ve asked for my contribution to be withdrawn…..and SSE now wants to help me find common language to complete it, adding insult to injury as no apology or acknowledgement has come from SVA .  It shall be an interesting day.

To be quite frank I think social enterprises were done before SVA came along or SSE for that matter and if anyone wants you to think that you can’t do it without them and their input than they’re kidding themselves.

I also feel passionate about Social Entrepreneurs needing the space and isolation like a butterfly in a cocoon because all of the things they do on their own, all of the little breakthroughs stretch our muscle and pump our blood to our wings to make these projects fly – some of us need the struggle to make things happen and I know I don’t need someone helping me to break open the cocoon for me because that will do more damage than good, it can ruin the potential to fly.  i.e don’t let anyone else tell you what they think is best for you and your project because you will know deep within you what is right and you are the only one who knows all the details and no one else can see in your head.

I have heard a speaker with a very successful Social Enterprise that helps thousands of people annually – she talked about how she built this successful enterprise and then was introduced to some very savvy business women who became her board members and they guided her in a direction that was away from her purpose and the mission of her Social Enterprise……..so I want to point out that yes the corporate sector has alot to offer however they also need to respect our space, knowledge, expertise and inherent abilities to do our projects often with intuitive skillsets they know nothing about and could learn alot from us as well.

I have learnt a great deal this year and all of which I am very grateful for and I write these experiences knowing it could shoot myself in the foot regarding connections, networks, reputations but I’m not selling what I believe in to anybody for limited success, position, prestige, money or power and I want to speak the truth of my experience because if I’ve gone through it there will be others coming after me who will go through this too and they need to know wht they’re feeling is absolutely legitimate.

By Roseann

The thought of having to design Holiday decorations was a bit scary for me, I have to admit.  I wanted to design a décor that is not the same old boring red and green you see year after year, yet it should some how be traditional.  I was perplexed, so I began to rummage through decorations of the past.  I found a box of traditional Christmas bulbs used for decorating trees and garland and began playing with some of my favorite trims.  The trims I found work best include; all sorts of fringe from glass to leather, sequins, pleated ribbons, and cording.  The results are well, interesting.   I think the looks are funky and fun and with our Black Friday Sale on November 27th at www.MJTRM.com, I hope they inspire you to try something different.

For the last few years, I have been bemoaning the fact that a fellow Hotlibrarytech has an awesome display case in his library and I don’t.  It is a lovely glass curio cabinet.  I confess, I  have been coveting my neighbor’s display case. 

The curio cabinet was stored in his library, but apparently never used.  When he started at his new school, there the cabinet sat, dusty and unused.  But being the ”HLT” that he is, he saw its potential.  These photos are from Halloween when he fills it with leaves, spiders, webs, scary books and even has a raven statue to sit on top.  The raven wears a sign that says, “Nevermore.”   Is he clever or what? 

Recently I stood in the lobby of my library eyeing the three empty glass display cases that are mounted to the wall. 
Basically I gave my self a good talking to….Okay, so the cases don’t have lighting in them…fake votive candles can fix that…so it isn’t free-standing in the middle of my library…I can always use that space for another specialized bookcase/display….the gears in my brain started turning and I got busy. 

Flash back – A few years ago, I had a display in the cases for Read Across America Week to honor Dr. Seuss’ birthday.   I added the library’s collection of Dr. Seuss’ books along with a stuffed Cat In The Hat and a Read Across America hat. My boss and I added our own Read posters featured our children, reading. The display was up for…a while…actually a very long while….”How long have you been seventeen?” 
If there were Bulletin Board police, I would have been cited. 

But, you see I had lost my “Creativity Muse”. 
The next school year, for nearly ten months, the cases housed the Honors Spanish class project of “Day of The Dead” displays.  At the end of the year the cases were emptied. 
There they sat, covered with dust and fingerprints  until one weekend during the summer I had an epiphany. 
Actually, I cleaned out my son’s room, and took his Dr. Seuss’ collection of books.  We had well over 35 titles and from what I understand, there are a total of 75 available from the good doctor.

 
I added my son’s books along with 3-D artifacts…the yellow Seuss border was stapled to the shelf edge. 

The 3-D items that I added to the case, I either had, or  purchased them at Michael’s, JoAnne’s or the 99 cent store.  There are stuffed animals…the small Cat in the Hat was actually a cat toy.  Seriously, whatever you do, don’t tell my cat.  I hot glued 10 artificial apples together for Ten Apples Up On Top.  There is a large foam “A” for the ABC book and I managed to find a T-Rex for the Berenstain Bears and the Missing Dinosaur Hunt. 

Do you see the Green Eggs & Ham game in the lower right hand corner?  That belonged to my son. 
Don’t be envious.  Playing that game was like watching the Neverending Story - there is no conclusion. 

The center section is covered with black paper and edged with a new READ border found at Michael’s.  For the lettering, I used the Cricut Expressions machine and cut 4 – 7 inch letters out of white cardstock….(the same ream we used to made Turkey hands.)  Bragging – the photos are my boss’s children, my nephews and my son. 
I especially love the photo of my son, he is reading to his baby cousin on the kitchen floor of Great Grandma’s house. 

Next, I added my collection of fall/Halloween picture books at the bottom of the display.  Some are brand new; some  have been in our family for years.  If you have young children, you must pick up It’s Fall by Linda Glaser and illustrated by Susan Swan.  Don’t miss Fall Is Not Easy by Marty Kelley.  Also pictured is Goodnight Goon by Michael Rex, a parody on the famous book Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. 

During October, I added plastic jack-o-lanterns, two little LCD ghosts from Pic N’ Save, and lots of silk fall leaves.  The leaves were $1.99 at Michael’s for a 50 count package.  I absolutely love it when students stop and point out the books that they read as young children.

 Now it is November:  I have had these two mini Beany baby squirrels for years and never knew what to do with them. 

                                                                                                                                                           One of them cozies up quite nicely with The Kitchen Window Squirrel by Harold S. Longman, illustrated by Nola Langer.  (Glad I didn’t send that book to Rosie O’Donnell when she used to complain about squirrels on her talk show.)   Thanksgiving books join the fall picture books.   If you haven’t read Cranberry Thanksgiving by Wende &
Harry Devlin to your children, borrow a copy from your local library. 

The basket holds the rest of the artificial apples not used for Ten Apples Up On Top.  Pinecones are an easy decorating accent….actually all I have to do is walk around my campus and find dozens…of course, I could also find live squirrels, but I doubt they would be very cooperative or  sit nicely in the display case!

Reindeer poop necklaces? I sense that at least five of you will consider buying me this piece of crap just because you think it’ll be funny.  Let me just say that that would be a really shitty thing to do. (And don’t you dare tell my dad about this.)

Attention holiday shoppers!  Will you be in New York City on December 5th?  Well, then you’re in luck because it is same day as Martha Stewart’s Holiday Craft Sale at their headquarters in NYC. 

There will be about 50 local crafters, bakers, jewelry makers, and artisans all under one roof selling their handmade items.  This is definitely a great year to purchase unique gifts for your loves ones made by local crafting experts!  There will also be music, raffles, baked goods and few other treats and surprieses. 

On your way out or on your way there, don’t forget to drop by M&J Trimming for creative inspirations for the hoilday! 

Martha Stewart Holiday Craft

601 West 25th Street, 9th Floor (Between 11th & 12th Ave) NYC 10001

Time:  12 – 6PM

M&J Trimming

1008 Sixth Ave (Between 37th & 36th Street) NYC 10018 

I love love love Christmas! It’s my favorite time of the year, for sure. Well….other then my own birthday. But really, it’s awesome. I especially love singing Christmas songs and giving gifts. I like to make other people happy!

That is why I’ve started the Pritteful Palette Christmas Sales! Every few days, I will be posting a new item that is up for “Christmas Sale”. If you are looking for a gift for someone, or maybe one for yourself (there’s nothing wrong with the one for me one for you concept in my mind) then you should make sure to check my Facebook Page for the latest updates. I will also try to post the updates on my blog for those of you who are RSS subscribers, but don’t have a Facebook.

Merry (early) Christmas!

Here are my latest Christmas deals:

]]> http://thehandmadecardblog.wordpress.com/2009/11/27/and-they-called-it-puppy-love/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 23:18:27 +0000 townie http://thehandmadecardblog.wordpress.com/2009/11/27/and-they-called-it-puppy-love/

Puppy Love Mini Card Supplies List :-

• Bazzill Kraft Cardstock
• Design House Dogs Life Stickers
• Stampin Up Cardstock Choc Chip
• Light Green Cardstock from leftover scraps
• Stampin Up Dimensional Adhesives
• Double Sided Tape
• Basic Grey Nook & Pantry Buttons
• Uniball Signo Opaque Pen
• Technique Tuesday Christmas Clear Stamp Set “Love”
• Memento Bamboo Leaves Green Ink Pad

Just like the weather I seem to be non-stop at the moment. After a spell in bed with the dreaded lurgy it’s been full steam ahead for me.

The main reason for this is it’s the Dennistoun Craft Fair on Saturday 28 November http://www.dennistouncommunitytogether.org.uk and as always I’ve got a stall there.

I’ve a lot of new goodies on offer such as

As well as the above I’ll have an assortment of other sweet, knitted items (though I’m gutted I didn’t have enough time to finish some more scarves) and cards.

Dad’s also got his stall with beautiful pictures and cards made with pressed flowers from his garden. He’s even trying his hand at making necklaces with them. Here’s a sample.

I really like them and might even have to buy one for myself.

After the fair? Well I’m going to gt to grips with on-line selling and make more of my shops.

I’ll also be keeping an eye on Folksy’s Upcycle Christmas as I hope the auction which starts on 7th December goes well http://www.folksy.com/shops/frayedattheedges Talking of which I must remember to take the skirts I’ve entered to the DCF so you can have a look at them if you want.

Have fun and don’t forget you can also follow what I’m up to on  Twitter http://twitter.com/JuJuDollie and on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=90342957614 

Hope you’re all having fun.

Thank goodness I didn’t commit to this in writing. I’ve been playing around with the idea of making Tuesday the day on which I’ll post my received Postcards. :| oops. I was so swamped with little things to do and errands to run, that I only got round to taking pics of them last night. (Sans scanner at the moment and all).

I received these last week! Click on the thumbnails to view bigger pics.

Happy Postcrossing.

The postie delivered a parcel full of goodies to my home today and as soon as I got the chance, I headed up to my workshop to make a Mini Card with the new Cosmo Cricket Nutmeg papers I had bought…

Supplies List :-

• Stampin Up Choc Chip Cardstock
• Basic Grey Nook & Pantry buttons and paper
• Cosmo Cricket Nutmeg range patterned paper – Cinnamon
• Cosmo Cricket Nutmeg range – Elements 12 x 12 paper
• Round Scallop Edge Punch from Stampin Up
• Fiskars Treading Water Scallop Edge Punch
• Pearsalls Marabou Silk Thread – olive green
• Double Sided Tape and SU Dimensional adhesives
• Chestnut Roan Chalk ink
• American Crafts Clear Stamp “Yum” from Christmas stamp set

I reveled in those Christmas mornings of old.  One of my sisters would shake me awake; we’d tiptoe down the stairs, jittery with excitement, and peer around the corner at the fireplace mantle.  We’d gleefully pounce on our stockings and exclaim as each treasure was discovered—even the predictable apple and orange found in the stocking’s toe.  It seemed absolutely magical (although I’m sure there was plenty of fighting and arguing that has been conveniently forgotten with the passing of time).  Now I want to create that sense of wonder for my own children—while keeping the family Christmas budget in mind.

What are some good stocking stuffers?  These gifts help children develop a variety of skills and are tons of fun:

• Arty fun: Arts and crafts are good choices for stockings: think of paintbrushes and paints, crayons and coloring books, glittery stickers, fun pens and pencils, beaded jewelry-making kits, Silly Putty and Play Doh.  Visit an arts and crafts store in person or on line and you’ll be amazed at the options.  Kids can also create their own books, t-shirts, masks, monster dolls, and puzzles.

• Stick with what works: You can also think about specific toys that your kids or grandkids are really into at the moment and get related toys or accessories.  My girls are all about dolls right now, so baby doll accessories (bottles, play baby food, clothes) will be just the thing for their stockings.

• Basic is Best: I like to throw in some basic necessities as well—who can be mad at Santa for bringing new underwear?  He always brings my kids new toothbrushes and toothpaste.  Gloves, hats, mittens, slippers, character t-shirts, and socks are more fun when delivered by sleigh.  Girls might enjoy jewelry, hair bows, ties, and hair bands, and boys might like Matchbox cars or other small trains and trucks, action figures or baseball cards.  You might also keep in mind a special bubble bath, soap, or a scented lotion.

• Education inspiration: For kids learning to read, Zingo! is a great game.  The Dot to Dot Super Challenge set is a nice size for a stocking and works on concentration and logic.

• Travel-Minded Toys: If you’ll be traveling during the holidays, simple handheld electronic toys will be fun for the kids and help you stay sane in the car or on the plane.  Card games and other toys that are designed for traveling may also come in handy.

• Think Practically: On the more practical side, you can throw in batteries for the toys they’ll be getting.  If they’re low on certain school supplies, pick some up and add them to their stockings.  Other ideas include favorite books, candy, bouncy balls, DVDs, CDs, movie tickets, gift cards, and tickets to a concert or upcoming event.

No matter what Santa Claus brings your kids this year, have fun with it.  Yes, your children might argue, be cranky and overtired, or be bouncing off the walls on a sugar high.  But 30 years from now, they’ll remember the magical moments and being with you, and that’s what really matters.