Basically Bare Makes the TOP 10 HOT Picks at CHA!

WOW!  I made several samples for Basically Bare and was so thrilled to see that Nancy Nally of Scrapbook Update chose Basically Bare as one of the TOP 10 Hot Picks!  You can read the article here!     Amazing, huh?  I do love these products and they are so fun to work with.  You can see they have so many choices here on my printer’s tray.  I’ve added some Crafty Secrets, Graphic’s Fairy and some images from my own collection on the tray.

Green Craft Magazine by Stampington and Company

Hell friends!  I have some exciting new to share.  Yesterday when I got home there was a little surprise waiting for me in the mail...a published piece in the Autumn 2011 issue..and there on page 138 was my Album :)  I love it when that happens!

Here's a bit of a personal update..After the storm we have cleaned up what we can.  The big barn, machine shop, corn crib and bins still need to be dealt with.  The house is still covered with tarps to keep the water out when it rains.  I has been a fright working with the insurance company.  The first insurance adjuster doesn't want to talk to me because I can't be nice.  We have a new one and I'm not sure he likes talking to me either.  We do have 3 contractor's in place to start work but because there was so much damage for so many people, we're patiently waiting our turn :)
Our youngest son, Zach who is 14 was grilling food a couple nights ago and he fell to the ground, having a seizure.  SO..to the emergency room we went.  He had an appointment with the Neurologist today, had an MRI and will have an EEG on Monday.  They have put him on seizure medication.  Thank GOD he did not fall on the grill or the cement patio!  YIKES!  We also had a dear friend pass away, he introduced hubby and I 20 years ago...such a sad visitation and he was only 43!
SO..I try to keep busy with my art when I can because it's my therapy and a place I feel most at home.  I can't tell you how much it means to me to have you sending thoughts and prayers our way..I love you all!  I makes me get a little emotional when I think of the wonderful friends I've made through blogging!  THANK YOU ALL from the bottom of my heart.
Didn't mean to get so windy but with so many people asking, I wanted to update you :)

Vintage Votive and Bookmark

I used Crafty Secrets, Mini Vintage Creative Scraps to make this bookmark.  I found the bookmark at the Dollar Store and simply cut the image in a circle and PRESTO..instant bookmark!

The Mini Vintage Creative Scraps were used on the votive, too.

Play Ball Home Decor

Hello friends!  This sweet stamp set is a new release by Crafty Secrets.  I spotted this Baseball frame at the Dollar Store and thought it would be perfect with the new stamps.  I gave the frame a coat of Antique White paint and then inked the sides to give it more of a vintage feel.  The images are simply stamped on Astroparche Cardstock with Saddle Brown, Stazon ink.

Night Light: Heartfelt Creations

Hello friends!  While browsing around at the Dollar Store, I found this Night Light and thought, I could alter that!  It originally had a goofy looking lady on the front so I removed her.  I used Timber Brown Stazon and stamped the circular glass with “Vintage Life Background” (HCPC 3367). Next, I stamped (HCPC3318-Daisy Patch Flowers PreCut Set) 2 large daisy’s and the next two smaller daisy’s one time.  Die cut or hand cut and layer with U-Cut-It Foam by Glue Arts.  Curl the petals under. Add Prima Pearls and using U-Cut-It Foam, adhere the flower to the night light!  Pretty easy and it make a beautiful custom Night Light!

Tea Light Delight

I spotted these cute little glass tea light candle holders at the Dollar Store.  I instantly thought..hey, those would be so cute with the new Mini Vintage Creative Scraps by Crafty Secrets.  I also used the Vintage Trims stamp at the bottom of one of them.

Magnetic Message Board

Hi friends!I had a little extra time this morning so I decided to play with my Crafty Secrets goodies.  This was so easy to alter.  I covered the magnetic board with paper from the “Creating with Vintage Patterns” CD.  I used the Birds and Blossoms Creative Scraps for the magnets and the large Antique Trim clear stamps for the border.  Glue Arts Perma Tac, glue gun and melt sticks hold it all together.

Splitcoast Stampers: Crafty Secrets Challenge

Hello friends!  Joanne has a fun challenge going over at Splitcoast Stampers, Crafty Secrets Group.  Celebrate the New is the theme and so I decided to use the NEW Creating with Vintage Patterns CD and some Farm Fresh Creative Scraps.  I had this round tin and added a Tim Holtz Curio Knob to the lid.  Added some pearls, a little burlap a fun tag and waa-laa!

Heartfelt Creations Photo Cube

Hello friends!  Thanks again for all your well wishes after our storm.  We continue to make progress but it’s a slow process after so much damage.  We all deeply appreciate your thoughts and prayers. 
Today you’ll have to be sure to check out Heartfelt Creations for some Designer Inspiration.  The designer’s are so talented and always make beautiful projects.  Mine is so simple and something that could be made easily and quickly.  I bought the photo cube at Hobby Lobby and added some hand dyed seam binding to the top.  I simply used Heartfelt Creations Wedding Sentiments (HCPC 3404 Wedding Sentiments PreCut Set and HCD Posy Patch Die)  I cut the Posies on fabric and added them to the front of the cube.  The beautiful patterned paper is from the “Creating With Vintage Patterns” CD by Crafty Secrets.

Crafty Secrets Keepsake Shadowbox and Winner of the NEW CD!

Hello friends!  Thank you for such sweet comments and I’m happy you like the tutorial.  The winner of the “Creating with Vintage Patterns” CD and the Mini Vintage Creative Scraps is..Busy Martha and here’s her comment.  Congrats to Marilyn and if you’ll send me your mailing info, I’ll get this out very soon!
I can't wait to try this Jan, thanks for the tutorial, it will open a lot of new doors for the crafting world! Marilyn
Today my Keepsake Shadowbox features papers from “Creating with Vintage Patterns” CD, Mini Vintage Creative Scraps and Photo Studio Clear Stamps.  I got two of the keepsake boxes at Hobby Lobby and it had some broken pieces on the inside frame.  BUT, the price was $3.00!  I love a good deal!  I added some shabby ribbon and the cluster of pearls is a vintage clip-on earring.

Crafty Secrets New Product Show Offs!

To all my vintage lovers, you are going to be in hoggy heaven!  I'll choose 1 lucky winner today and they'll receive the new Mini Vintage Creative Scraps and a "Creating with Vintage Patterns" CD!  Tomorrow I'll
announce a winner.
 


I decided to show you how to Print on Fabric using "Creating with Vintage Patterns CD"!  The first is a Vintage Collar and the second is a Bangle Cuff.

I've used crocheted flowers and crocheted pieces I found at an antique shoppe.

At your own risk, here's how to make your own. (Not all printers will feed the fabric).   I used my HP Photosmart printer and it works well.

Step 1

Gather muslin or light cotton fabric, freezer paper, iron, printer and Creating with Vintage Patterns CD.

Step 2

Iron the shiny side of the freezer paper to the "wrong" or back side of the fabric.

Step 3

Cut the ironed fabric piece to measure 8.5 x 11".

Step 4

Place fabric sheet in the printer (Know how your printer feeds your paper.)

Step 5

Using "Creating with Vintage Patterns" CD, print the desired pattern.

Step 6

Remove the freezer paper from the fabric.

Step 7

Cut off the top portion of the printed pattern. Pin to the pre-measured crocheted strip.

Step 8

Sew the fabric pattern to the crocheted strip.

Step 9

Hand sew a crocheted flower and button in the center frame of the pattern.

 For the Bangle Cuff, you'll use the same technique.


Great news from Splitcoast Stampers, General Stamping Talk Forum.  The card I posted yesterday was selected as a FAVORITE!  
Here's the link if you'd like to check it out.  http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/general-stamping-talk-f17/favorites-week-ending-july-17-2011-a-t533128.html
The paper used on the card are from the new CD!  Post number 21 and I'm papercre8r on Splitcoast :)

Be sure to visit the Crafty Secrets blog, Design Team blogs and the shop will have all the newest releases!   There will be lots of fun techniques!

Vicki Chrisman (Design Team Leader)

Pam Hooten

Heidi Blankenship

Linda Duke

Michele Kovach

Julie Campbell

Amy Teets

Debbie Marcinkiewicz

Fauve van Maanen

Gini Cagle

Jan Hennings

Tammy Roberts

Victoria Warren Mears

Viola Mahr

Crafty Secrets Summer Releases

CD - Creating with Vintage Patterns

Mini Vintage Creative Scraps

Stamp Sets

Large Stamp Sets

SL 41 Born To Fly

SL42 Let's Hang Out

SL44 Play Ball

Medium Stamp Sets

SM39 Birds of Happiness

SM43 Golf Time

Small Stamp Sets

SS23 Vintage Silhouettes

SS26 Take it Easy summer

Crafty Secrets Splitcoast Stampers Challenge

Hi friends!  WOW!  It seems like the week has passed so quickly and deadlines are creeping up quickly.  A bit of an update for all you beautiful bloggers who have asked about our progress.  I have the best news..my hubby’s skid loader was in the big barn when it collapsed, so we’d been unable to start major clean up.  BUT..he got it out from under the barn and it has some damage but not major.  So we’ve been cleaning up down trees and grain bins.  Thanks again for all your well wishes and prayers

Over at Splitcoast Stampers, Dar’s challenge is Christmas in July!  We’ve been having some pretty warm days here in Iowa with temps today reaching 92 and it’s nice to think of a much cooler season!
I used the “Creating with Vintage Patterns” CD by Crafty Secrets.  I just love the papers on this CD!  The sweet Santa and Postcard image are also Crafty Secrets.  Be sure to check in tomorrow because I’m going to be giving away this CD and some new Mini Vintage Creative Scraps!  Woo-Hoo!

Fresh Canned Cherries with Robin’s Nest

Hello friends!  Jan here to show you a great gift idea.  We live in the country and often can our food for the Winter months.  These fresh cherries were picked from our Cherry Trees and canned.  The little red glittered Journal Cards work perfectly for recipe cards. Aren't the little Dew Drops a sweet addition?  Robin’s Nest  has Dew Drops in so many different colors and shapes and the Journal Cards are glittered!  Be sure to check out Chattering Robin’s blog for some inspiration.

Here's how to make your own.
Step 1
Pick and can your cherries.
Step 2
Start with a Red Glittered Journal Card and write recipe.

Step 3
Trim the corners of the card at an angle.
Step 4
Use a Crop-a-dile to add eyelets.

Step 5
Add dew dew glue and 2 red Primary Dew Drops to the bottom of the card.
Step 6
Using a green marker, add stems and leaves to the cherries.
Step 7
Tie with twine in the back.

Glue Arts and Fancy Pants

Hello friends!  Glue Arts and Fancy Pants are teaming up for some summer fun   I decided to make an envelope album and a Bahama Mama Album.  The papers and embellies are so bright and fun, it’s sure to put you in the mood for the beach :) 


and the envelope album

An Altered Frame with Heartfelt Creations Botanical Collection

Hello friends   I’m still without internet but am visiting a friend and using his internet.  We are truly blessed to have so many friends who have been there with us!
You’ll love this beautiful Botanical Collection by Heartfelt Creations!  Just love the stamps and the dies! 
The Botanical Garden Collection features 5 new precut stamp sets that coordinate with existing Spellbinder Rose Creations Shapeabilities and Spellbinder Foliage Shapeabilities. The Botanical Garden Collection is a great addition to every floral lover's collection of flowers.
Leave a comment on my blog or the Heartfelt Creations blog by July 19 and one lucky person will win the entire release valued at $75.00. The winner will be announced on the HC blog on July 20

Here’s the products I used.
HCPC 3405 Leaf Medley PreCut Set
HCPC 3406 Botanical Floral 1 PreCut Set
HCPC 3407 Botanical Floral 2 PreCut Set
HCPC 3389 Sentiments for Mom PreCut Set
Other supplies:
wooden frame (Hobby Lobby), patterned paper (Crafty Secrets), pearls (Prima), ribbon (May Arts), Glimmer Mist, clear jewels, Zip Dry Glue, Ink (Tsukineko)

A bit of an update

Today is day 2 after the tornado and life is looking better :)  We have such good friends and they have been there in every way for us.  We have a generator hooked up and it is keeping the refrig and two freezers running so we'll be able to save the food!  I made a pot of coffee this morning and it feels like things are getting back to normal.  I'm at a friend's house doing some laundry and using his computer.
THANKS to all of you for your well wishes and prayers...I appreciate it so much :)
Here's some more pictures of home.

We have tarps over the roof of the house as most of the shingles were blown off.  Looking forward to the insurance, rural electric and our electrician coming.  There's no water or power as the poles were ripped from the ground....yikes!  HOT wires!
Thanks for your support and I will try toi check in in a couple of days.