HERE FOR THE BOOS!!!!

I don't usually send many Halloween cards, and I used Stampin' Up!'s MDS2 software to quickly create this year's design.  The witch is from the digital Spooky Bingo Bits stamp set, and I used digital Howlstooth & Scaringbone designer paper.  My printed design was cut to size and then layered onto Tangerine Tango and Basic Gray card stock.  For the finishing touches, I used googly eyes from the Ghoulish Googlies Designer Kit, Silver Sparkle Dazzling Details, and a designer button.

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

OCTOBER BONUS PROJECT TUTORIAL POSTED TO CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL

Make a framed tree with a banner to mark the year for your home-for-the-holidays or for a one-of-a-kind gift!  The card perfectly complements the frame if you’re giving it as a gift, or make a bunch and send them out as your card this year!

This bonus project for the month of October was designed by Terry, and her tutorial is available to Craft Project Central subscribers.  This is definitely a beautiful ensemble!

"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY"

Instead of creating a project for MISM, I decided to share a few swaps.  For my August Inkerbelles' class, our swap theme was to create an Autumn card. 

 

Our September swap theme was a 6x6 recipe page, and these recipes look yummy!  I used My Digital Studio to design my page.  After printing the pages and cutting them to size, I added rhinestone jewels to two of the ornaments.  The Ornament punch was used on the "december 25" element, which was adhered to the page with Stampin' Dimensionals and topped off with a Real Red bow.  If you want to see a larger view, just click on the picture.

GROCERY LIST & COUPON ORGANIZER

Being organized is a good thing! Did you know that it can also save you time and money? Yes, if you take a grocery list along with you when grocery shopping, you are likely to stay on track and within budget.  It doesn’t hurt to be stylish while doing so, and this project helps you do all of that. The folder contains a notepad and pockets for your coupons and grocery list. You’ll also make some cute butterfly paper clips and a matching pen!  This clever project was designed by Niki, and her tutorial is now available at Craft Project Central.  Aren't those butterfly clips adorable? 

 

"FREESTYLE FRIDAYS"

It's time for Freestyle Fridays, and that means that it's Friday.  Woohoo!!!!!!  I don't know why, but I always get excited to see Friday roll around.  With her Halloween project last week, Julie issued a mission for me to create a Halloween project this week using a background stamp, and my project couldn't include anything green.  Even though black and orange are commonly associated with Halloween, somehow I wanted to gravitate toward green, perhaps because it was forbidden.  From the start, I knew that I would use Stampin' Up!'s Perfect Plum because I love this color and also because I have this gorgeous taffeta ribbon.  My other colors are Basic Gray, Basic Black, and Daffodil Delight.  After I stamped the image from "Toxic Treats", I used a Labels Collection Framelits die to cut it and then used sponges to apply Daffodil Delight, Perfect Plum, and Cajun Craze ink to color it.  I used a larger die for the Basic Black mat, which I embossed with the Square Lattice embossing folder.  On the Perfect Plum card stock, I stamped the retired "Cheesecloth" image using black ink.  I wish this background stamp wasn't retired because it's one of my most favorite.  Silver Sparkle Dazzling Details was added to the witch's skirt and cape.  Even witches need a little sparkly stuff!  The Silver Sparkle is so . . . well . . . sparkly and is probably my favorite of Stampin' Up!'s Dazzling Details.  Thank you, Julie, for a fun mission and one that had me scrambling to choose something besides green.

MY FALL CANDLE HOLDER & DINNER PARTY ENSEMBLE - TUTORIAL POSTED TO CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL TODAY

It's time to show the ensemble that I designed for Craft Project Central this month.  I had so much fun working on these items, which feature Stampin' Up!'s "Comfort Cafe" designer paper and fabric.  This project has everything you need for a special dinner occasion . . . from the invitation to the centerpiece!  The only thing left to your imagination and ingenuity is the menu.  Of particular note is the beautiful candle holder, which features Comfort Cafe designer fabric.  To access the tutorial, all you need to do is go to Craft Project Central and subscribe to Oct 2012.

"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY"

It's time for me to share a snappy project, and I have a Christmas one for you today.  I stamped three ornaments and then die-cut them with Stampin' Up!'s coordinating Holiday Ornaments Framelits die.  I adhered the ornaments to a piece of Natural Composition Specialty designer paper that I inked with Midnight Muse.  I love how the pattern on the designer paper resisted the ink!  Finishing touches to this card were the crochet trim bow and the sentiment strip, which is a portion of the "Good Cheer" Builder wheel. 

 

Have you seen Stampin' Up!'s October promotion?  When you purchase one of the bundles (shown below), you will get the "Festive" Paper-Piercing Pack FREE!  To take advantage of this awesome promotion, CLICK HERE.

 

 

ACCORDION FILE FOLDER WITH CARDS - NEW CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL TUTORIAL

Celebrate Fall by making this Autumn-inspired card set!  The beautiful Fall colors also make for a great set of masculine cards!  The set includes eight cards, eight stamped envelopes, and a coordinating card holder.  Christy Fulk designed this ensemble, and she obviously paid a lot of attention to details!  I especially look forward to making that accordion card holder!  Christy's tutorial was posted today to Craft Project Central.  With your paid subscription, you can access this tutorial and all of the others posted this month!

JULIE'S "FREESTYLE FRIDAYS" SNEAK PEEK

Julie sent this sneak peek photo of her Freestyle Fridays project, and it took just a glance to know that she's been working with Halloween stuff.  I think the sneak peek is too small, though, don't you?  To see her entire project, let's visit her blog.  I know that she'd appreciate it if we take the time to leave a little comment love.  Be sure to read about the mission she sets forth for me--you might want to make it your mission, too!  Have a great weekend!

FALL BASKET & CARD . . . TUTORIAL POSTED TO CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL TODAY

Fall is here and apples are everywhere!  Make this woven basket for those yummy apple treats everyone loves this time of year!

I can't wait to make that adorable basket!!  Monika Davis designed this project, and her tutorial was posted to Craft Project Central today. 

TWISTED "PERFECTLY PRESERVED" CARD

I've mentioned my great-aunt Betty before and how special she is to me.  I try to send cards to her on a regular basis, and I've been told that she keeps every single one of them in a box in the closet of her room at the Assisted Living facility.  Her son has a friend who has liked many of the cards I've sent, and Betty mentioned to my mother yesterday that she wanted to send a card to her and asked if I would make one.  This was my first twisted card (it gets its name from the way it's made), and I was really pleased with it!  I delivered it to Betty today, and she seemed really pleased, too.  I love that this card has two pockets (one on the front and one on the inside) because it is perfect for sending gift cards, cash, photos, or a host of other items that will fit in the pockets.  I used MDS2 and "Pinwheels on Parade" for the sentiment, and the other Stampin' Up! products featured on this card include "Perfectly Preserved" stamp set, Cannery Framelits dies, "Autumn Accents" die, "Comfort Cafe" designer paper, rhinestone jewels, linen thread, Very Vanilla and Cajun Craze card stock, Eyelet Border punch, and three different embossing folders--Square Lattice, Lacy Brocade, and Fancy Fan.  For the inside pocket, I cut a piece of Very Vanilla card stock for Betty to write a message.  I don't know about you, but I love cards that stray from the norm as it relates to size and shape, and they're even more loveable when at least one element hangs over an edge.  When Betty saw this card, she said, "I don't believe I even have one like this!"  I will definitely make more of these cards and will have to be sure to send one of them to her.



OH. MY. WOW.

In my stampin' heart of hearts, I have reached a new level of love for Stampin' Up!'s MDS2 software.  My ears perked up when I heard that some of the new digital downloads were .svg files which could be cut with an electronic cutter, so I checked to see how many SVG stamp brush sets I had.  Not too many, but I assumed that Stampin' Up! would continue to release more and more of them and, of course, I would continue purchasing new digital downloads.  This was just one of the reasons why I wanted a Silhouette Cameo, which just arrived one day last week, and I still know very little about the machine except that it's pretty darn easy to use.  After watching Connie Collins' video demonstrating how to cut an image from MDS2, I had to try it.  OH. MY. WOW!!!!  This is so awesome!  Want to know what's even more awesome?  The image that I used on my card (from the "Merry & Type" stamp brush set) isn't even SVG, which opens a HUGE library of image options!  There is a process, of course, to making things happen, but it's a process that gets quicker each time you do it.  Imagine . . . you get an image the way you want it in MDS2, bring it into the Silhouette software to work with, print the image on your home printer, and then the Silhouette cuts it

 out.  Just look at how the Silhouette cut around the image!  I chose to have a white border around my cut image, but you can choose how close the cut will be.  With MDS, you could re-color an entire image with one color but, with MDS2, you can re-color the entire image as many colors as you like.  I used Cherry Cobbler, Wild Wasabi, and Early Espresso to color my image.  After it was cut, I went back to MDS2 to print the designer paper background from the "Joyful Times" designer kit.  I used a craft knife to cut slits for the ribbon and then adhered the cut image with Stampin' Dimensionals.  Granted, there's nothing wowish about the overall card design, but can you help but salivate over the new level of digital/hybrid capabilities????  Say it with me . . . OH. MY. WOW!

"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY"

When it comes to making a card really fast, it doesn't get much easier than using Stampin' Up!'s MDS2 software, which is exactly what I did for today's MISM project.  Waiting for the Silver Sparkle Dazzling Details to dry took more time than creating the design, printing it, cutting it to size, and adhering it to the Soft Suede card!  The only other thing that I added was the Crumb Cake taffeta bow.  The digital products that I used in the design of this card include the following:

Stamp Sets:  Something for Christmas, Tree Trimmings, Hand-penned Holidays

Accessories:  Crumb Cake 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, Eyelet Border punch

It's great to know that I have yet another Christmas card ready to go! 

AUTUMN ACCENTS SET . . . TUTORIAL POSTED TO CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL TODAY

Isn't this a gorgeous Fall ensemble, complete with decorative curves on the labels and realistic shading on the leaves?!?!  Rich colorful leaves (using the Faux Fossil technique) with a touch of shimmer make this candle wrap with matching mat and chipboard frame the perfect addition to your autumn home decor.  Lynn designed this project for Craft Project Central, and her tutorial posted today. 

HALLOWEEN BLOG BANNER

Let me tell you about my Halloween blog banner.  It began as a Fall banner, but then I got a little carried away.  Before long, it was clearly a lot of Halloween and a little bit of Fall.  I used Stampin' Up!'s MDS2+ to design the banner, and following is the list of digital content used on this design.  Keep in mind that everything listed below is DIGITAL content:

Designer Paper:  Autumn Spice, Newsprint
Embellishments:  In Color Digi Tape (re-colored), Staple & Stitching, Natural Designer Buttons
Stamp Sets:  Natural Composition Overlays, Spooky Bingo Bits, Frames with a Flourish, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Punches:  1-1/4" Circle, Flag

"CARDS" BANNER

One of my grandmother's quilting friends will be opening a quilt consignment shop next month, and she asked if I'd like to put some cards for sale there.  Uh . . . yesssssssssss!!!!  I'm really excited about the opportunity and decided to create a banner to decorate my little corner of the shop--assuming, of course, that there will be a good place to hang this banner.  Just wanted to post pictures of the finished pennants.  The base pennant is actually printed canvas, but it's hard to see the print since I added ink spray, sponged the edges, and cut a smaller pennant from pattern paper that covers the center.  I used Stampin' Up!'s Eyelet Border punch to create a lacy look to the top of the center pennants, and I finished each one by adding a stamped sentiment.  This seemed appropriate for the "cards" banner.  ;-)

     

 

 

 

 

 

FALL HAPPINESS DECOR GIFT SET - NEW TUTORIAL POSTED TO CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL

These Fall decor items are sure to bring you happiness when you display them in your home or give them as a gift!  The FALL Picks are not only festive, but also very versatile.  You can display them in a pot of beans, ready to put anywhere.  Or, add them to a potted plant for a cute accent!  Project also includes instructions for a matching Fall luminary and pretty greeting card!

Julie Beltramo designed this great project for Craft Project Central, and her tutorial was posted today.  To gain access to the tutorial so that you can create these awesome Fall projects, all you need to do is subscribe!  You'll be glad that you did!

 

A LITTLE SOMETHIN' PINK FOR "FREESTYLE FRIDAYS"

With her Freestyle Fridays post last week, Julie issued a mission for me to create something pink this week and to add plenty of layers if I so desired.  Oops!  I don't have a lot of layers, but pink doesn't get much pinker than Stampin' Up!'s Melon Mambo, which is the color of my card and the dotted ribbon.  I had originally thought that I would create a holiday card and use some splashes of pink, but then . . . my birthday present arrived early (a Silhouette Cameo) . . . and I was anxious to play and to see if I could design a round-top card with a layer featuring a sentiment cut-out.  I won't tell you how long it took for me to finally get my sentiment to weld properly but, when I finally got it right, I was determined to complete the card, even if it meant creating a Spring-looking flower from Stampin' Up!'s "Birds of a Feather" designer paper!  I used a retired Stampin' Up! flower brad, topped off with a sparkly rhinestone jewel, for the center of my flower.  Mission complete, Julie!

 

I promised that I would announce the winner today of the FREE one-month subscription to Craft Project Central.  It's hard to believe that I've had over 800 blog hits since Monday, but only ONE person chose to leave a comment and be entered in the drawing for the free subscription.  Thank you, Ariel, for taking a second to leave a comment.  The one-month subscription is all yours, and I will contact you for the info needed to get your subscription started! 

LITTLE CRITTER CARDS . . . NEW CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL TUTORIAL

Share your love of paper crafting with children with these adorable Little Critter Cards!  You can make them for the little ones in your life or, even better, make them with the little ones!  Each of the Little Critter Cards are easy to make with little or no help from an adult.  The child who receives one of these cards will certainly smile, and the sense of satisfaction from making one, will stay with the child for a long time to come!  Project includes instructions for making  a penguin, mouse, lady bug, dinosaur and, not shown, an owl, monkey, bee, and dog!

The tutorial for this project, which was created by Carrie Rhoades, was posted today at Craft Project Central.

 

"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY" . . . AND A GIVE-AWAY

For today's MISM project, I used Stampin' Up!'s MDS2 software to create this clean and simple design, which features two digital techniques . . . freeform wavy text line and the look of sponging ink over a white-embossed image.  I've used the drop-shadow feature in the past to create the look of sponged ink around an image, but I actually wow'd myself with the wavy text line.  It is sooooooo easy to accomplish, and it's great to be able to hide the actual wavy line.  The freeform line features are new to My Digital Studio and available on MDS2.  After printing the digital design, I decided to use it for this "scrapling" (a card created from card stock scraps).  The base card is Pool Party, and the printed white layer is on an Island Indigo mat.  The butterfly image is from the digital "Creative Elements" stamp set, and other Stampin' Up! products used to complete my card include Pool Party ruffled ribbon and the Scallop Edge Border punch.

Once again, I have a FREE one-month subscription to Craft Project Central to give away.  To enter the drawing for the subscription, just leave a comment on this post.  Be sure that I have your contact information in case you're the winner.  I will announce the winner this Friday.

WITCH'S CALDRON & CARD - TUTORIAL POSTED TO CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL

Halloween is such a fun time of year to decorate and give candy to friends and co-workers.  Why not make your treats something special and, of course, spooky this year?  Replace the "Trick or Treat" label with a guest name, and you have a place holder/party favor!  If you don’t celebrate Halloween, you can still use the instructions and template included to make favors for other occasions!

This colorful and creative project was designed by Rae Harper, and didn't she do a BEAUTIFUL job?  I love everything about this ensemble!  The tutorial, complete with photographs, was posted today at Craft Project Central.

 

THE RETURN OF "FREESTYLE FRIDAYS"

Do you remember Freestyle Fridays?  My sweet friend, Julie Beaulieu, started it quite some time ago and asked if I'd join her in sharing a project every other Friday.  She left for vacation (or, as she calls it, "holiday") back in August, and I thought she'd fallen off the face of Canada.  She's back and ready to breathe new life into Freestyle Fridays, and pictured here is a sneak peek of her project.  I'm told that she has issued a mission for me, and I'm looking forward to it!  To see her entire project, learn all about it, and to find out what my mission is for next Friday's project post, we'll have to visit her blog.  Let's give her a warm welcome home, and don't forget to leave a little comment love on her blog.  Have a great weekend!

GOOGLY GHOULS HALLOWEEN ENSEMBLE - TUTORIAL POSTED TO CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL TODAY

Whether you decide to make one, two, or all three of these cute little projects, they are sure to be a hit this Halloween!  This Halloween ensemble includes an easy-fold gift box, a darling triangle treat bag, and a coordinating card!  You might even want to host a "Ghouls just want to have fun" night of crafting with your friends!

The designer of this ensemble is Laurie, and her tutorial posted to Craft Project Central today.  I'm anxious to try all three of Laurie's great projects!  If you haven't already subscribed this month, what are you waiting for? 

DIGITALLY RIPPED PAPER

I didn't have a lot of time to create this morning, but I was really wanting to make something and so I turned to Stampin' Up!'s MDS2 software.  You know it already, but I LOVE working with this program!  I began my project with a Very Vanilla background and added the green printed "Joyful Times" designer paper.  With a click of the mouse, I gave the bottom a ripped edge and then added an identical layer of designer paper behind that one and adjusted the opacity.  This really enhanced the torn edge, don't you think?  By the time I was finished with this project, I had used the following digital content:  Real Red Grosgrain ribbon, Joyful Times designer kit, Tree Trimmings stamp set, Wishes & Greetings stamp set, and Labels Collection tag.  After printing the project and trimming it to size for my card, I added three rhinestone jewels to the ornament.  Easy, peasy holiday card ready to go!  If you don't have the MDS2 software, do yourself a favor--give yourself a treat--right now!  Check it out HERE!  If the link works, you will be able to see ALL of the digital images/content included in the MDS2 software HERE.

"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY"

Today's MISM project is a quick card that features a pumpkin created with oval punches, "Orchard Harvest" designer paper, and "Natural Composition" designer paper.  I love how the printed pattern on the Natural Composition paper resists ink and adds texture.  I used Stampin' Up!'s Wide Oval and Large Oval punches to build the pumpkin layers, and I sponged the papers with Tangerine Tango and Early Espresso inks.  The leaves are from the "Little Leaves" Sizzlits die, and I just cut the parts that I wanted to use on my pumpkin.  The pumpkin was finished with a Soft Suede stem, and I added a sweet sentiment from the "Loving Thoughts" stamp set. 

What do you think about my new blog banner?  I designed it with Stampin' Up!'s MDS2 software.  It's definitely not one of my better banners, but at least it's Fall-ish.  My creative mojo seems to be taking a little break, but I feel sure that it will return . . . sooner rather later, hopefully.

Have a great week!

WITCH'S COTTAGE LUMINARY - TUTORIAL POSTED TO CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL

Are you looking for a fun and whimsical Halloween decoration for your holiday display?  Or maybe you just want to give someone a special Halloween gift?  This Witch’s Cottage Luminary is quite spooky when you have a flickering battery-powered candle inside!  It looks like the witch could step out at any time and go for a ride on her broomstick!  The matching card makes this a great gift set!

The tutorial for this project, which was designed by Amanda, was posted on Craft Project Central today.  With your $10 subscription, you will have access to this tutorial and nine others this month!