Saturday, December 29, 2012

Hello friends and happy Saturday!  Time for another project using a great image and sentiment from Daydream Designs.

I used the set My Heart Still Dances.  This set also comes colored but I love to break out my pencils so I always get the outline sets.
 I love this image with just the feet and the sentiment is so inspiring.  I know it looks black in the photos but the bottom mat is actually dark brown.  The pink mat is what I consider classic ballerina pink.
 I inked the edges of the image and sentiment.
 I crocheted the 2 roses quite some time ago.  I made 5, intending to use them on a card and ended up only using 1.  They have been on my stamping table waiting to be used.  I think the color works very well here.
Here is the finished project.  This is actually a white lunch bag.  I folded down the top 3 times, punched holes in the sides and threaded pink tulle (another ballerina classic) through the holes.  I tied a bow and left a "handle" in the back.  You can still open the top, but the tulle keeps it closed to keep the contents a surprise!

I think that's about it.  Thanks for taking a peek!

Blessings & Hugs,

Michelle

Friday, December 28, 2012

Hello friends!  It's Friday and I have a fun card using an image from The Digi Garden.

There are some great new images in the shop so pop on over after you see the fun one I used today!
Isn't Ursula adorable?  I have colored her using my Prismacolor pencils.  Pink and brown is such a great color combo!
 I wanted this to be a fun card for a child so I added a small pocket to the front for some tic tacs.  These are pink and match my paper very well  ;)  The lace, ribbon, brads and "I*heart*You" button are from my stash.  I am all about using my stash so I am excited about the different things I used!
 I printed the sentiments from my computer.  I tried to match the font from the button on the front.

I think that's about it.  Thanks for taking a peek!

Blessings & Hugs,

Michelle

Thursday, December 27, 2012

My 2nd Favorite Mo's Card!

It's Thursday and while there isn't actually a new challenge over at Mo's I picked my second favorite paper project from this year using another one of my favorite fairies from Mo.

This is Fall Fairy Jensen.  I think I have used him 3 times and I am sure I will use him again!  I colored him with my Prismacolor pencils.  I love, love, love coloring pumpkins. Why is that?
 Here's how I put him together.  I used a French script background stamp, some vintage lace and ric arc, cheesecloth and pearl cotton to add my acorns!
 And I decorated the top of a calendar I made on my computer.  The frame for it was made several years ago by a friend and it has sat idle for too long.  The embellishment at the bottom is from K&Co a couple years ago.  I thought it matched perfectly.
Here you can see my acorns.  The caps were still attached and I love them!

I won't be entering this in the challenge at Mo's since I entered another card last week, but I waned to take the opportunity to show this cutie again!

I think that's about it.  Thanks for taking a peek!

Blessings & Hugs,

Michelle

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

#6 from my Master List

Happy Wednesday!  Yesterday was Christmas and I hope it was a wonderful day for you and your family.

Today I have project #6 from my Master List.  (If you haven't been here on Wednesday's I'll tell you I had a list of projects in my sewing room that had been there a while.  My son pointed out that nothing was being accomplished on the list so I decided to get busy.  I challenged myself to finish and post something every Wednesday.  So far so good!)  Today is a stocking I had started for the same son a couple years ago.  There wasn't much left.  I had wanted to finish it last year but the tendinitis in my wrists wouldn't let that happen.
 Isn't this the cutest thing??  I love these penguins.  The shading is wonderful and they turned out so cute!  I filled this with some food that he loves as well as this little cutie:
How cute is this??  My boy loves hedgehogs and when I saw this on Pinterest I knew I had to make him one.  It really was quick and easy.  Took less than 2 hours I believe.  You can find the instructions here.

I think that's about it.  Thanks for taking a peek!

Blessings & Hugs,

Michelle

Sunday, December 23, 2012

An Altered Gift

Morning ladies.  I have a fun project to share with you today.  My daughter asked me to alter 2 boxes of IBC root beer that she wanted to give as gifts.  
 I covered the outside with card stock, I even sewed the layers.  On the front I added some brads, ribbon and red berries from my stash.  
 The sweet, vintage Bingo card is from Bety on etsy.  I did not adhere it all the way around so she can slip some movie tickets behind it.
 This one is covered with the most adorable vintage looking paper.  I love all the ads on this paper.
I added a pocket to this one as well.  I sewed the layers again and sewed a portion of the pocket so she can add a gift card.  Some raffia and a poinsettia finish it off.

I am entering this project in the following challenges:
Cute Card Thursday - Eat, Drink & Be Merry

I think that's about it.  Thanks for taking a peek!

Blessings & Hugs,

Michelle

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Hello folks!  It's Saturday and I have another project using a cute image from Daydream Designs.

I chose a small image from the Sweet Warm Ups set.
 I printed 2 of the peppermint candies and colored them with my Prismacolor pencils.  Then I covered them with a layer of Glossy Accents.  (The other peppermint is on the other side of the box.)    I made the box after seeing a similar one on Pinterest.  Unfortunately the link was broken so I won't link it here.  I sort of figured out how to put the box together but mine doesn't look like the pictures when it's open.  But that's ok because I like how this turned out.  I used green and red paper to cover the box and embossed the red with my Swiss dot folder.  The sparkly red trim is from my LCS.
Here is the box opened.  The original was actually a box when you folded down the sides but I couldn't come up with how they did that.  It doesn't matter though since the ribbon keeps it closed.  I put a fun treat inside for the nail artist at my hairdresser's.  My daughter is planning to have her own bakery someday and just finished several open houses to sell some of her creations.  These are peppermint oreos covered in white chocolate with crushed peppermints on top.  I haven't tried one yet but I'm guessing they are amazing!

Christmas is right around the corner.  I hope you are enjoying the time with family and loved ones.

I think that's about it.  Thanks for taking a peek!

Blessings & Hugs,

Michelle

Friday, December 21, 2012

Winter Plaid Girl

Hello again!  It's Friday and that means another fun project using an image from The Digi Garden.
 Isn't she adorable??  She is all ready for school in her warm winter clothes!  I colored her with my Prismacolor pencils.  She is matted twice and I inked the edges of the image.  I also added some pearls.
 I embossed the blue panel with my swiss dot folder.  The red and blue trim has been in my stash FOREVER!  I stitched the pieces down and wove them together where they crossed.  That great blue bow was already tied and sitting in my ribbon box.  How handy is that??
I decided to use this cutie on a small gift bag.  I rolled the top down, punched holes and threaded the sheer, red ribbon through.  I think this would be so sweet to hold a gift for a little girl.

I think that's about it.  Thanks for taking a peek!

Blessings & Hugs,

Michelle

Thursday, December 20, 2012

My Favorite Mo's Card for 2012

It's Thursday.  Time to play along at Mo's!  This week they are asking us to show our favorite Mo's card from 2012.  (Mine was made May 2012)

I didn't have to think twice about this one.  I love this card! 
 This sweet little fairy is from the set called 3 baby fairies.  I love the face on this one.  This baby is just so cute!  I colored her with my Prismacolor pencils and had the best time putting this card together!
 I made it round (I rarely do that!) and added a paper doily.  My bow is seam binding and hemp.  I added a few flowers and beads.
 This is how my card opens.
 I stamped my flowers across the purple background and lined them up to match the writing panel.  I added an acetate cover over that and I used some inks to color in the flowers, but only on the acetate.  The brad allows the writing panel and acetate to be moved and underneath you find a ladybug (just like in the fairie's hand).
My most favorite part though, by far, are the acetate wings!  I printed just the wings on acetate and added some color to them as well.  I love (!) how this turned out and I have to admit I will probably keep this card for myself!

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Mo's Challenge Blog - Favorite 2012 card

I think that's about it.  Thanks for taking a peek!

Blessings & Hugs,

Michelle

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

#6 On My Master List

Good morning lovely friends.  Somehow I am staying on track with my Master List.  I am so glad for that!  Today I have a project that I have wanted to make for *wait for it* 8 *gasp* years!!  Let me just say I hadn't started this project before last week.
 When I first saw this design in Decorative Artists Workbook in 2004 I knew my best friend Donna would love it, and I have thought about it every Christmas and birthday since then.  It finally was put on my list and now it's done.  I used to paint so much better.  My brushes are a bit hammered and my paint was clumpy but I persevered and the results aren't too bad.
 My boy told me he thought the angel looked worried or nervous.  Maybe she does.  Hopefully Donna will like her anyway!
 This picture is really dark, the sun light wasn't cooperating with me, but I hope you can see the details.

I'm working on my project to post next week.  Hopefully I will stay on track!

I think that's about it.  Thanks for taking a peek!

Blessings & Hugs,

Michelle

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Shopping Our Stash #82

Morning!  It's Tuesday and time for another challenge at Shopping Our Stash.  This challenge will last for two weeks since next Tuesday is Christmas Day.  That means you have plenty of time to play along even after the holiday!  We would like to see your Winter creation this time (not holiday).  Snow, snowmen, penguins, mittens, hot cocoa, that sort of thing.

This time I chose to use a cute snowman from The Digi Garden.  There are many cute snowmen over there, this is just one of them.
I colored him with my Prismacolor pencils and added lots of super fine glitter to the snow.
I really reached into my stash for this card.  I didn't pick paper first this time, I just started coloring.  I knew I wanted to use light blue card stock and after I picked that I thought about this 4x6 stack that I have had for several years.  All 3 DP on the front of this card are from that stack.  Since the stack is such an odd size I had to piece the blue dotted paper for the background.  That's where the blue ribbon came in, to cover the seam.  And that ribbon has been in my stash for a couple years.  The snowflakes I punched from scraps using 2 punches that have been around forever and I rarely use them.  The silver brads in the middle were also in my stash.
 On the inside I decided to add a pocket for a packet of hot cocoa.  I followed the same sketch for the writing panel.  I added one more snowflake and the sentiment was made on my computer.
Can you see the glitter here?  I was glittery too when I was done!

I love digging into my stash and making a card that I really like.  I'm not sure who will get this card, but I hope they like it as much as I do.  Now, pull out your stash and join us this week!

I think that's about it,  Thanks for taking a peek!

Blessings & Hugs,

Michelle

Monday, December 17, 2012

You're An Angel

Morning friends!  Time for another project using a cute image from The Digi Garden.
 I used this sweet little angel and colored her with my Prismacolor pencils.
 I matted her twice and put her on a simple kraft tag.  I used a MS punch for the bottom and inked all the edges.  I used a wide piece of lace from my stash and even used another lace for the top of the tag.
Here you can see the angel is actually on a small card.  I left the inside blank so you can add your own message.

There are so many cute images at The Digi Garden, I'm sure you'll find something to play with!

I think that's about it.  Thanks for taking a peek!

Blessings & Hugs,

Michelle

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Having Fun with New Toys

Hello again!  I have some gorgeous things to show you today that I can not take credit for!

Several years ago I started following a very talented paper crafter, Becca Feeken.  She creates the most beautiful cards and paper projects!  The way she puts together colors and the way she uses die cuts always amazes me.  She is a beautiful, Christian lady and I always love stopping by her blog.  In September she started selling kits featuring stamps and dies that she has designed (and are made by Spellbinders and JustRite) and put together.  When I saw them on her blog it took me all of 2 minutes to sign up to receive her kits for the next 12 months.  She is so talented and this was a great opportunity to use what she uses and learn some of her techniques!  Today I want to share with you what I made using her November kit.
 Let me first say that these projects are what she gives you supplies for in the kits.  This is all Becca's talent and creativity, not mine!  So, her beautiful dies are used for the corners and rolled into cones to hold flowers!  I love the stick pin embellished with the button and pearl.
 This sentiment on the inside was included as well.  What a great quote!
 Card number 2.  That tiny medallion was a challenge and not as small as it should be, but they are very fun to make!
 The long tails look so luxurious don't they?
 Here's the inside of this card with another great quote.
And the final project!  This wooden frame came in the kit along with the calendar!  The papers and stamps are just beautiful.  I'm not sure what I will do with this, maybe a gift for someone?  I'm so glad to be receiving Becca's kits.  I hope you enjoyed looking at what I made.  I'm sure I'll be using her stamps and dies again soon on my own projects.

I think that's about it.  Thanks for taking a peek!

Blessings & Hugs,

Michelle

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Let It Snow

Hello friends!  It's Saturday and I am back on track with another card for Daydream Designs.

I used the very cute little girl from the Snowbaby set.  I printed her on kraft and colored her with my Prismacolor pencils.  I also added some tinsel glitter to her pompom and cuffs.
 I used a card from the Snow Day Bingo Card set too.  The snowflake paper is from DCWV and is a couple years old.  I inked the edges of my layers before putting them together.
On the inside I added a pocket for a hot cocoa packet.  I thought this would be a cute card to say "Thank You" to someone.  There's plenty of room on the writing panel to add your message.

Make sure you zip over to the shop and see all the fun new things Diane has been working on.  Cute, cute stuff!

I think that's about it.  Thanks for taking a peek!

Blessings & Hugs,

Michelle

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Pretty Ballerina

Hello and welcome!  It's Thursday and time for me to play along with the fun new challenge over at Mo's Challenge Blog.  This week the theme is "D is for...".  I had to think for a while.  I have to admit I couldn't come up with any embellishments that started with "d", although I'm not sure how hard I thought about it.  "Dancer" is what I came up with and it was so fitting as I just purchased lil ballerina.  She is such a cutie and I was looking for a chance to color her up!
 See what I mean?  Isn't she adorable?  I colored her with my Prismacolor pencils and added lots of pink Stickles to her tutu.  I also added glossy accents to her barrettes.  See the shading behind her?  Oh yes, that's covering up a huge mistake!  After adding the Stickles I proceeded to grab the image and smudge the glitter completely across the image, smearing the black ink.  I could not believe it.  I grabbed a tissue and wiped off the glitter but the smudge wasn't going anywhere.  The whole image was done.  I did not want to start over so I grabbed my grey pencils and started shading.  I think if you don't know of my blunder you won't notice anything....I hope.
 An ornament?  Sure, why not.  Was I nuts?  Yes, I was.  I had one piece of this sweet pink paper.  I cut my strips, scored and started folding.  Yes, the score lines are too close together.  I am not ashamed to tell you I fought with this medallion for an hour.  AN HOUR!!!  Both my girls came to help.  There is more hot glue in the center of this than I care to admit.  Note to self:  score lines should be 1/2" apart next time!  I added a paper doily and pink and white tulle circles.  I haven't pulled out my feathers in a while so I added those along with pearls and 12 pink silk ribbon roses (not the paper ones I usually use). 
 As I was going through my embellishment drawer I saw these roses.  There reminded me of my little girl when she used to dance.  Pink, satin roses seemed to have ballerina written all over them!
Here you can see the tulle.  Again, they just say "ballerina".

I am entering my decoration (oooo, another "d" word!!) in the following challenges:
Mo's Challenge Blog - "D is for..."

I think that's about it.  Thanks for taking a peek!

Blessings & Hugs,

Michelle