Summer Birdhouse & Giveaway

Posted on June 18, 2013 by lhoman

Hello there! Alice Golden with you today sharing a bright and colorful project that was also really inexpensive to make. I found the birdhouse and Adirondack chairs at a craft store in the unfinished wood section and spent less than $5 for all three (gotta love coupons!). A little paint and “wallpaper” turns them into a cheery birdhouse retreat that can add a bit of summer fun to your home décor.

The paper and stickers are from Me & My BIG Ideas. This little set made its way across the country to be displayed in their booth at the most recent Craft & Hobby Association show in California. Today, the folks at Mambi have generously offered to give one lucky reader a chance to win a variety of summer-themed products, including those used to create this set.

To be entered in the drawing, simply leave a comment telling me about your favorite summer spot by Monday, June 24, 2013. Winners will be announced here on June 25th.

In our backyard, we have two Adirondack chairs that sit under a willow tree that we planted when our boys were babies. The tree has grown right along with our kids and is now over 30 feet tall and provides just enough shade on a hot summer day to make the perfect spot for sitting with a cold drink and good book.

Just thinking about how much I love sitting outside on a beautiful day with a great read almost makes me want to stop what I’m doing and head out there now… but I guess I should finish this blog post first.

After painting the chairs and birdhouse with acrylic craft paint, I cut strips of paper to fit the various sections, inked the edges, and then adhered them to the painted wood using découpage glue.

For the front of the house, I created a template out of printer paper in order to figure out where to cut the circular opening and then used this to cut the patterned paper. I added a few additional die-cut pieces to decorate the opening and embellished it with dimensional stickers. I also cut a piece of paper to use as a welcome mat on the front step.

Using papers from the same paper pad meant that all the colors and styles went together, but this would also be a fun project to make using assorted paper scraps. The edge of the roof is finished with strips of paper that I trimmed with my pinking sheers (an old pair of sheers that is used for paper only - I have a newer pair for fabric). Couldn’t resist adding a tropical touch with the glittered palm tree sticker.

Even the back of the house gets jazzed up since I thought this would be a fun centerpiece for the table on our porch and wanted it to look good from all angles.

The roof sections took a bit of extra time because each strip of paper had to be cut on an angle at each end, and they all turned out to be slightly different sizes, so had to be measured and cut one at a time.

The top of the house was painted yellow, and I wrapped orange-and-white baker’s twine around the base where it met the pink section. This provided a nice transition and also helped cover up any painting imperfections. A bright, glittery sun sticker tops it off.

Originally, I was just supposed to make the birdhouse for Mambi, but when these adorable mini chairs caught my eye at the craft store (for only $1 each), I couldn’t resist.

One piece of paper was used for the back of the chairs, and then that piece was cut into strips to fit the slats.

Supplies

Me & My BIG Ideas Sunny Summer Days PADX-231: paper pad and assorted stickers
Wooden birdhouse and chairs (available at craft supply store)
Plaid Mod Podge Découpage Medium
Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Spiced Marmalade Ink Pad

Here’s to spending lots of time in our favorite spots this summer!

Alice Golden from Golden Moments (www.alicegolden.com)

Darkroom Door Winner!

Posted on June 18, 2013 by dgehring

Hello, crafters! Suzanne Czosek here with you today to announce the winner of the Darkroom Door prize package announced on my June 11th blog post, where I introduced you to this creative Australian company and their gorgeous photo-inspired products. Here’s an image of the prize:

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest. The winner, as chosen by Random.org, is Naomi, who said: “Absolutely fabulous examples of how to use Rachel’s products!! Would love to be able to win some of them!!”

Congratulations, Naomi! We will be contacting you via email with more details.

Thanks for stopping by!

Suzanne Czosek from Suzz’s Stamping Spot (www.suzzstampingspot.blogspot.com)

A Face Without Freckles Card

Posted on June 17, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

Create a one-of-a-kind card for your favorite little freckle face using an adorable stamp set and a variety of fun die-cut shapes.

Materials

Cardstock: My Favorite Things Hot Fudge, Whip Cream; X-Press It Blending Card; scraps of gold and yellow
October Afternoon 8”x8” Paper Pads: Sasparilla Collection, Farmhouse Collection
American Crafts Brown Brads

Tools

Die-cutting system and My Favorite Things Die-namics Dies: Circle STAX 1 and 2, Woodgrain Fence, Notched Tag
My Favorite Things Pure Innocence Collection Freckles Stamp Set
Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black Ink Pad
.Too Marker Corp. COPIC Markers: E00, E11, BV000, R20, YG93, YG95, Y21, E31, E35, W1, W3
Stampin’ Up! Chocolate Chip Stampin’ Write Marker
Adhesives: paper adhesive; X-Press It Foam Tape, 1/2”

Basic Supplies

paper trimmer, detail scissors, ruler, pencil, paper piercer and mat

Directions

STEP 1

Make 4-1/4”x5-1/2” brown top-fold card.

STEP 2

Cut three 1-1/4”x3” strips of blue diamond paper and adhere evenly spaced across top half of card front.

STEP 3

Cut and adhere 4”x1-1/2” striped paper strip to bottom of card front.

STEP 4

Die cut 2-7/8” STAX Circle from brown cardstock and 2-3/4” STAX Circle from yellow patterned paper; layer and adhere over blue diamond strips.

STEP 5

Die cut two Woodgrain Fence pieces, one from brown cardstock and one from woodgrain paper. Adhere woodgrain fence to cardstock fence, slightly offset. Trim to 4” long and set aside.

STEP 6

Die cut three yellow flowers and two gold flowers using Notched Tag die set. Position flowers on fence and pierce holes through all layers for brads; insert brads. Using a ruler and Chocolate Chip marker, draw stems and leaves for flowers. Set aside.

STEP 7

Stamp sentiment onto cream cardstock; trim and mat on brown cardstock. Adhere strip to card as shown. Adhere fence to card.

STEP 8

Stamp girl image onto Blending Card. Using photo as guide, color skin, hair, hair clip, and shoes with markers. Stamp pants onto denim paper; detail cut pants and adhere to main image. Stamp shirt onto floral paper; cut out and adhere to image. Detail cut entire image and adhere to card over fence and circle, placing foam tape beneath head to level layers.

Tip

Look online for COPIC coloring tutorials for different skin and hair color combinations.

by Michele Boyer (www.papercuts.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com)

Father’s Day Card

Posted on June 15, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

Greet your golf-loving dad with a handmade card this Father’s Day. The layered papers add great texture, as do the button “golf ball” and twig signpost.

Materials

White blank card, 5”x6-1⁄2”
Purple/Blue paper: checked, sponged, dotted
White embroidery floss
White button, 5⁄8”
Twig, 1⁄8” diameter, 5” long

Tools

White gel pen
Cutting mat
Needle
Paper adhesive

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, craft knife

Directions

(Note: Use photo as guide throughout.)

step 1

Open card; trim 3⁄8” from each front edge, except fold. Cover inside back of card with purple/blue checked and card front with purple/blue sponged papers.

step 2

Print and cut out patterns. (Note: The blue word “pattern” is a link. To access this pattern, select the link, then download and print pattern.) Cut grass border pattern from purple/blue dotted paper. Adhere grass to front of card.

step 3

Trace flag window pattern on front of card. Open card and use craft knife to cut out “window”. Outline window and front of card with white pen.

step 4

Using white floss and working from back to front, sew stick and button to card front; knot floss ends inside card.

step 5

Transfer lettering to inside back of card with white pen so only “Dad” is visible through window.

Tips

Modify patterns slightly to create sailboat window card, floating along on rolling, blue waves. Or, cut grass from green crinkle paper for added texture.

by Shauna Berglund-Immel

Girl In Garden Bezel Necklace

Posted on June 12, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

Add a touch of sparkle and vintage charm to your wardrobe with this pretty, spring-themed bezel necklace. The wire-wrapped hobnailed pendant holds a darling antique image encased in clear resin to create a piece with layers of dimension.

Materials

Graphic 45 Secret Garden Collection Posy Patch Paper
Spellbinders Media Mixáge Rectangles One Bezels
Wire: Beadalon 7-Strand Silver-Plated Nylon-Coated; Artistic Wire Silver-Plated, 24-Gauge
Beadalon Findings: Spacers, Crimp Tubes, Jump Rings, Wire Guardians
Bead Shoppe Findings: Hook Clasp, Silver Spacers, Silver Ball Spacers, Silver Filigree Ball Spacers
Halcraft USA Bead Gallery Faceted Glass Beads (Michaels): Sapphire & Ruby Crystal, 8mm; Lavender/Blue Crystal, 6mm and 8mm
Small silver ball-head straight pins

Tools

Spellbinders Artisan X-plorer Machine
Spellbinders Media Mixáge Rectangles One Dies
Susan Lenart Kazmer ICE Resin
Pliers: round-nose, chain-nose
Wire cutters
Crimp tool
Thick, white craft glue

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, pencil, disposable mixing cup, wooden craft stick

Directions

Size

18″ long

Step 1

Center girl/flower image from Posy Patch paper inside Rectangles One #3 die; die cut/emboss image. Adhere image inside Rectangles One #3 bezel using craft glue; let dry.

Step 2

Follow manufacturer’s instructions to mix ICE Resin in disposable mixing cup. Using craft stick, drip resin inside bezel until resin domes. Let resin dry completely for six to 12 hours.

Step 3

Wrap silver-plated wire diagonally around upper right and lower left portions of bezel and secure wire around top loop; trim excess wire with wire cutters.

Step 4

Add one 6mm lavender/blue crystal bead to a small ball-head straight pin. Wrap wire that extends past bead around round-nose pliers and wrap twice to create a loop. Trim excess wire with wire cutters. Make 67 total.

Step 5

Cut two 24″ lengths of nylon-coated wire and string beads onto first length in following order: silver ball, spacer, 8mm sapphire bead, 8mm ruby crystal bead, spacer, silver ball, spacer, 8mm lavender/blue crystal bead, spacer, silver ball, spacer, 8mm sapphire bead, 8mm ruby crystal bead, spacer, silver ball and four beads from Step 4. Repeat sequence four times on each wire length.

Step 6

To one strand, add silver ball, spacer, 8mm sapphire and ruby crystal bead, spacer, silver ball, spacer, 8mm lavender/blue crystal bead, spacer, silver ball, spacer, 8mm sapphire and ruby crystal bead, spacer, silver ball, nine beads from Step 4, silver ball, spacer, silver filigree ball spacer, spacer, 6mm lavender/blue crystal bead, spacer, silver filigree ball spacer, spacer, silver ball, crimp tube. Repeat on other strand.

Step 7

Thread wire guardian with end of one strand and insert opposite end of wire guardian through bezel loop. Thread wire through second crimp tube and silver filigree ball spacers.

Step 8

Crimp tube with crimp tool; trim excess wire with wire cutters.

Step 9

Add wire guardian and clasp hook to end of one strand. Crimp tubes and cut excess wire. Repeat on other end with second piece of clasp.

Step 10

Open a large jump ring with pair of chain-nose pliers. Thread with eight beads from Step 4 and add to top bezel loop in center of beaded strands.

Step 11

Add a jump ring with one bead from Step 4 to bottom bezel loop.

Tip

Customize the bezel design with your favorite patterned paper or theme, or embed alphabet letters or a small photo to further personalize this design.

by Darsie Bruno for Spellbinders (www.spellbinderscreativearts.com)

Darkroom Door

Posted on June 11, 2013 by lhoman

Hi, crafters. Today I am sharing a blog post featuring Darkroom Door. They are a company I design for and I love the variety of products that they offer. Here is an overview of the company and the founders:

Darkroom Door was founded in 2007 by professional photographer Rachel Greig and graphic designer Stewart Yule. While traveling throughout Europe in their blue Kombi van, Stewart and Rachel brainstormed an idea that would combine their love of art, design and photography into a range of art rubber stamps and paper products for the stamping and papercraft industry. From humble beginnings in Rachel’s photography studio, Darkroom Door moved its headquarters in 2009 to a larger studio and warehouse where they design, manufacture and distribute Darkroom Door products within Australia and export to more than 18 countries worldwide.

Rachel has a Bachelor of Visual Arts degree, majoring in photography. She has worked with many magazines as a photojournalist and photography editor. With a love of all things paper, Rachel turned her photographs into a range of quality handmade greeting cards which have sold worldwide for over 15 years. Rachel’s photographs have also been featured on home-ware products for Jason, NZ. Her work has won many photographic and papercraft awards and has been featured in several art exhibitions. Rachel teaches workshops in photography and rubber stamping at conventions and stores worldwide. View her website here: http://www.rachelgreig.com.au

Stewart has over 15 years graphic-design experience, specializing in both advertising and publishing. He has worked with clients such as Jaguar, Revlon, Foxtel, Chanel, Accenture and Scholastic Australia. He has also designed many novels and picture books in children’s publishing. Stewart was awarded The Australian Publishers Association Best Designed Children’s Picture Book for 2008 and shortlisted for 2010.

Some of the products provided by Darkroom Door includes Rubber Stamps, Photochips, Montage sheets, Wordstrips, Filmstrips and Alphastrips. Many of the products feature Rachel’s photography and they are beautiful.

I love that the collections encompass the different products and feature the same images. Here are photos of the Sydney collection:

The Rubber Stamps:

The coordinating Photochips:

The Montage:

The Filmstrips:

The Wordstrips that go along with the collection:

I love that you have the flexibility to pull together elements from the stamps to the cardstock items, and that it’s so easy to mix and match.

The Wordstrips and printed images make it simple to create a card quickly. and the stamps allow you the ability to mix in your own inked images with different colors.

Here is a project created with the Sydney Montage, Filmstrips and Wordstrips:

Products Featured:

Darkroom Door – Sydney Photochips, Sydney Filmstrip #1, Sydney Montage, Journey Word Block Stamp Set, Fun & Games Stamp Set; .Too Marker Corp. COPIC Markers; Advantus Tim Holtz Idea-ology Plaquettes, Hinge Clips and Metal Word Bands; bottlecap, chipboard book

Here is another project I made using a mix of stamps and a photo image:

Products featured:

Darkroom Door – PhotoBooth – Ladies, DarkRoom Door – Vintage Office; twine; Advantus Tim Holtz Idea-ology Philosophy Tags, Brads and File Label Holder

Rachel at Darkroom Door has graciously offered up a Darkroom Door prize package valued at $78.30. It includes:

Bright Blossoms Vol 1 Rubber Stamps

Bright Blossoms Vol 2 Rubber Stamps

Bright Blossoms Montage, Photochips, Filmstrips and Wordstrips

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post before June 17th at 11:59 PM CST. We will randomly select a winner to receive this wonderful prize package! The winner will be announced on the morning of June 18th.

Thanks for stopping by!

Suzanne Czosek from Suzz’s Stamping Spot (www.suzzstampingspot.blogspot.com)

Family Reunion Invitation

Posted on June 9, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

Save the date! Come one, come all to the best family reunion ever! Your event is a personal statement – your invitations should be, too.

Materials

White blank card*, 5”x6-1⁄2”
Papers: red, white, dark blue, red/white/dark blue plaid
Red satin ribbon, 1⁄8” wide, 10” length

Tools

Black fine-line permanent pen
Acid-free glue stick

Basic Supplies

paper trimmer, scissors, ruler, craft knife

Directions

STEP 1

Place card with fold at top; trim 1” from right and left sides of card front. Cut 4”x5” rectangle from plaid paper; adhere to center of remaining card front.

STEP 2

Cut 5”x6-1⁄4” rectangle from solid red and 4”x5” rectangle from solid dark blue. Center and adhere red piece to inside back, leaving 1⁄8” white card edge at each side. Center and adhere dark blue to red.

STEP 3

Using craft knife, cut 1-3/4”x1-1/4” window into center top portion of card front. (Note: Be careful not to cut card back.) Write or use computer to print inside information on white. Trim and adhere to center of solid blue paper inside card so family name shows through front window. (Note: Adjust size of window if family name is too long to fit.)

STEP 4

Draw squiggle line down white card front borders with permanent pen. Tie ribbon bow and adhere to card front as shown.

by Susan Cobb

Fishing Fund Jar

Posted on June 5, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

Make saving pennies fun for your favorite fisherman! Stickers with a fishing theme make decorating quick and easy. Add a few pennies and give to Dad for Father’s Day!

Materials

Ball: Wide Mouth Quart Mason Jar, Gold Wide Mouth Jar Band
Wooden items: rectangle tags, 1-1⁄2”x2-1⁄2”, two; rectangle, 1⁄2”x1”
Paper: stripe, coordinating parchment
Dimensional stickers: fishing gear, fishing sentiment
Artistic Wire Permanent Colored Wire: Black, 18-gauge, 27” length

Tools

DecoArt Oak Gel Stain
3M Scotch Craft Stick Permanent Adhesive Glue Stick

Basic Supplies

paper trimmer, ruler, paper towel, pencil

Directions

STEP 1

Apply stain to tags and jar band; wipe excess with paper towel and let dry. Cut 4”x12-1⁄4” parchment paper strip; adhere around jar. Cut 3-1⁄2”x12” striped paper strip; center and adhere to parchment strip.

STEP 2

Using photo as guide, attach dimensional fishing gear stickers to jar. Adhere fishing sentiment to small rectangle; adhere rectangle to jar as shown. Adhere additional fishing gear stickers to tags.

STEP 3

Curl wire around pencil, leaving 3” straight at both ends. Wrap wire around jar neck; twist ends together. Thread tags onto wire ends; twist to secure. Screw band onto jar.

by Cindy Groom-Harry and the CMC Staff

To Honor Mom and Dad

Posted on June 4, 2013 by lhoman

Two very special holidays are celebrated in May and June – don’t forget to create special cards to honor mom and dad for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

It’s Jill Cornell here today to share a card idea for each holiday. For this Mother’s Day card, I created with bright colors in mind and let pretty teacups and flowers take center stage. Although Mother’s Day is now behind us, you could make this card for Mom’s birthday, too.

A few glittery accents in the form of pink sequin trim and a gold sequin help give the card a little glitz and glamour for mom. All supplies are from the Soho Garden collection by American Crafts.

And for Father’s Day, honor one of dad’s special skills or hobbies by creating a themed card. I created this card for a dad in mind who loves to grill! Other ideas might be camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, sports, reading and more!

There are some easy ways to make a card more fitting for dad: 1) create with masculine colors like orange, green, navy and brown; 2) use “earthy” embellishments such as stars, buttons, twine and staples. All supplies are from the Take a Hike collection by Simple Stories.

Whether you are creating a gift or buying a gift, a handmade card will show you put a little extra thought into making Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, or their birthdays, just a little more special!

Happy crafting!

Jill Cornell from Blessed Scrapper (www.jillcornell.blogspot.com)

Thanks Card

Posted on June 3, 2013 by lhoman

Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

Combine die-cut geometric style with soft, vintage-look papers to create this summer “thank you.” Die-cut, rolled roses create a beautiful focal element.

Materials

Bazzill Basics Paper Cardstock: Marshmallow, Gum Drop
My Mind’s Eye The Sweetest Thing Honey Collection 6”x6” Paper Pad
Kaisercraft Sweet Pea Rhinestones
May Arts Yellow Pom-Pom Trim

Tools

Spellbinders Grand Calibur Die-Cutting System and Dies: Nestabilities Hexagons S4-368, Shapeabilities Donna Salazar Collection Bitty Blossoms S5-086
Scor-Pal Scor-Pal Scoring Board
Elmer’s X-ACTO Corner Rounder Punch
Technique Tuesday Thanks Clear Stamp Set
Acrylic block
Ink pads: Clearsnap ColorBox Chalk Charcoal, Chestnut Roan; Tsukineko VersaMark
A Muse Studio Diamond Embossing Powder
Adhesives: Beacon Adhesives Zip Dry Paper Glue, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L 3D Foam Squares

Basic Supplies

paper trimmer, scissors, ruler, pencil, heat tool

Directions

STEP 1

Make 4-1/4”x5-1/2” white top-fold card. Round bottom corners with punch.

STEP 2

Cut 4”x5-1/4” patterned paper panel; round corners. Sponge edges with Chestnut Roan ink; adhere to card.

STEP 3

Cut 4”x2-1/2” strip from second paper, round bottom corners, and sponge edges Chestnut Roan. Stamp Charcoal sentiment as shown and adhere to bottom of large panel. Adhere rhinestone.

STEP 4

Cut and adhere 4” pom-pom trim length over paper seam between patterned pieces.

STEP 5

Die cut/emboss assortment of Hexagons #1 and #2 from patterned papers. Arrange and adhere to card as shown.

STEP 6

Die cut/emboss Bitty Blossoms Med and SM from patterned papers. Roll, shape, and secure flowers with adhesive.

STEP 7

Die cut/emboss/stencil Bitty Blossoms Double Leaves from green cardstock. Using watermark ink pad, apply ink to raised areas through die; remove die. Heat emboss inked areas with Diamond powder.

STEP 8

Fold leaf shape in half and adhere beneath edge of medium flower. Adhere flowers to card.

Tip

Try this card in bold black-and-white or neon brights for different looks. Change the sentiment to suit multiple occasions.

by Michelle Woerner for Spellbinders (www.spellbinderscreativearts.com)