Thursday, May 28, 2015

Coloring with ADORNit Art Play + Bonus Tip!

How lucky am I, that I get to play with pretty things?  Not long ago, the lovely Carolee of Carolee's Creations and ADORNit, sent the design team at Mountain Plains Crafters some fun, new products to create with.  One of those products, was the Art Play Paintables.

Designed by artist Lindsay Waltman-Ostrom, Creator of Cuteness, these lovelies have been some of the most fun I've had with my coloring tools.  (affiliate shopping link below)



I used my Tombow Dual Brush pens to color the images, adding some extra touches.   As you can see in the graphic below, from Scrapbook.com, this little sweetie had bare legs.  So I gave her some cute socks!  Get creative; you don't have to "color within the lines"! 
 
To give her a nice backdrop for which to call home, I added some May Arts Ribbon, American Crafts Glitter adhesive ribbon and We R Memory Keepers Inked Rose cardstock.  She's a happy girl and surrounded by fun, coordinating colors.  BONUS TIP:  Use your fringed your ribbon scraps to tie a draping cascade (as pictured).

Are you ready to get your hands on these fun coloring pages?  They're only $1.49 at Scrapbook.com.  The prices are so good, you'll want the entire collection.  Happy shopping!



 
For fun, I'm entering this card into these challenges:





from: Scrapbook.com





 


Additional supplies: Tombow Power bond adhesive runner, white gel pen, 6x6 white card The Paper Studio, Marvy Le Pen ultra fine point 0.5 mm

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in the affiliate programs linked above because they are products that I use and love. Your purchase price is not affected in any way, by using my links.  Thank you for your support and helping me keep my content free!

#cre8time #wrmk #americancraft #wermemorykeepers #adornit #mayartsribbon #tombow #glitter #ribbon #coloring #watercolor #paint

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Quick 5 Minute Card With DCWV Prism Play

What do you do when you're on your way out the door and remember the card you were going to make for your co-worker, but didn't?  Well, number one, you call the office because you're going to be late and number two, you rush back to your crafty domain and bust out the goods.

In this case, I reached for my handy dandy DCWV 12x12 Prism Play cardstock.  To make quick work, my brain went into overdrive, and I grabbed my We R Memory Keepers trimmer/scorer and zipped down a 5.75" piece of the cloud card stock and quickly scored it.  Next, I grabbed a piece of the pink geometric cardstock and trimmed a 4"x4" square, then trimmed the fun quote and side border trims.



I made quick work of a 4" trimmed piece of May Arts satin ribbon and used my bow maker, then trimmed a small piece of the mini adhesive rosettes

A little washi tape, a doily, my Tombow adhesives and some fun skittles from Doubleclick Connection and whew.....we are done!
 

I don't think I worked so fast in all my life, haha.   This is one of my favorite collections from DCWV.  The colors are poppin', the designs are trendy, and I love the fun, encouraging quotes. 




Other supplies: Tombow Aqua Mono Glue, doily from Hobby Lobby, Tombow Power Bond adhesive runner, We R Memory Keepers Aqua Houndstooth washi tape, Skittles "Stream" from Doubleclick Connection





Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in the affiliate programs linked above because they are products that I use and love. Your purchase price is not affected in any way, by using my links.  Thank you for your support and helping me keep my content free!








Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Eat Cake and Celebrate!

I have a fun birthday card to share with you today.  This is for my sister's 50th birthday today.   She's a cancer survivor and very happy to be celebrating this milestone.   

It features lots of fun elements including a washi tape tiered cake, twine pom-poms and a fun stamped background.


I started by stamping a panel with my Craftin' Desert Divas Celebration Word Art stamp all over, sideways, criss-cross (you get the idea) in Spellbinders Celebra'tions Golden Glow and Pretty Plum ink on my tag.  The tag is also from the same Spellbinders line and has a slit, top and bottom, for poking fun things through, like the straw and topper that I made.

I used my Pinkfresh Studio washi tape which is a wide pink and yellow ombre, placed it on cardstock and trimmed for a tiered cake design.  The little candles were made from a cut, flattened piece of my yellow paper straw, trimmed and topped with glitter glue.  The cake was decorated with DecoArts Paper Effects Paint in Pink and sprinkled with glitter and all pieces were adhered with Tombow Power Bond adhesive.


I made some fun twine pom-poms using the fork technique and May Arts Ribbon yellow 2 mm bakers twine.  I've wanted to make these fun pom-poms and when I saw Lia Griffith share her technique, I thought I'd give it a try as well.  It's super easy and you can see her tutorial here:



Happy Birthday Sis!





Additional supplies:  May Arts Ribbon scallop adhesive ribbon, Queen & Co pink striped washi tape, Core'dinations Pink Bright & Smooth A2 card,  DCWV Prism Play cardstock (for banner), Spellbinders Celebra'tions rectangle pierced die, Doodlebug Designs Lily White sugar coating glitter, yellow striped paper straws from Dollar Tree, Ranger Tropical Tangerine glitter glue, Ranger Neon Flamingo glitter glue, white gel pen

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in the affiliate programs linked above because they are products that I use and love. Your purchase price is not affected in any way, by using my links.  Thank you for your support and helping me keep my content free!

Monday, May 25, 2015

DecoArt Upcycled Neon Pop Bar Chair

Today I've got a fun project that pairs DecoArt Americana Multi-Surface Satin Acrylic paints, with a stenciled die-cut made with my Cricut Explore.  I found this vintage, Comfort Line bar stool chair in a thrift shop, and thought it would be a perfect test subject. 

I really wanted to try out the Decoart Neon colors from the multi-surface collection.  They're such fun colors and I couldn't choose just one, so I chose to use all of them - pink, green, orange, blue, and yellow!  Plus, they're great for indoor and outdoor use.  I'm going with a fun, summery Bubble Pop design.  Let's get started.....








First, we need to create the stencil.




















I've designed this file in the Cricut Design Space and, if you're a user, you are welcome to use my free file.  It fits on a 12"x12" mat.  Simply copy and paste the link below, into your address bar, once you're logged into Design Space.   The photo to the left shows where I weeded the circles out of the stencil.  I'm using clear contact paper, for my stencil, that you can purchase at the Dollar Tree.

https://us.cricut.com/design/#/canvas/27431137


Now, let's prep the chair.  Because the chair has a shine, I've lightly sanded it, front and back, so the paint will better adhere.  Be careful not to sand too hard, or you'll have sharp, pointy edges.



Next, I'm doing a test coat so I can gauge how much paint I might need.  I'm going with the DecoArt Multi-surface Cotton Ball for my base coat.  









I used 2 full coats of the Cotton Ball paint, now it's on to the stenciling.  The stickiness of the contact paper?  Not so great.... live and learn, right?  So I used some washi tape to hold it in place.  I tried paint brushes and foam brushes, to see which worked best on my chair's surface and the foam brushes seemed to work best, to avoid streaks on this surface.   I ended up applying 3 coats of the neon paint for full coverage.




Check it out!  Aren't the colors just brilliant?  There is no photo editing here, people.  This is the color my camera took, no tweaking required.  Due to the contact paper not sticking as well as I'd like, I had some leaked edges on my circles which required some touching up with the Cotton Ball paint.


You may want to use a sealer after you've let this cure for a bit.  The American Spray Sealer is perfect to finish this off and better preserve all your hard work.  It gives your finished project a nice gloss as well.


Here's the Before and After.



 I've had some friends take a peek and they thought this would look so good in a girls bedroom.  My initial thought was to use it outdoors as a fun summer chair at a backyard BBQ.  How about having one of these as a birthday chair for a daycare or classroom?

I also think the stencil would be great for using as a focal point to paint these neon colors in bubble shapes in a child's bedroom on a wall, say, near a bedroom lamp?  A great little pop of color.

I hope you enjoyed my little project.  Please share your thoughts and other ideas in the comment section.  I appreciate it!

I would love it if you would follow me at any of my social media links:


#decoart #americana #satin #acrylic #multisurface #neon #upcycle #recycle #diy #cricut #cricutexplore #cricuteverywhere #comfortline #bar

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in the affiliate programs linked above because they are products that I use and love. Your purchase price is not affected in any way, by using my links.  Thank you for your support and helping me keep my content free!

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Blogiversary Winner!!

Thank you everyone, who helped my pal Deb celebrate her one year Blogiversary!  I'm going to keep this short and sweet without a lot of fan fare....because, really, who wants to listen to a bunch of jibber jabber?  Like I'm doing right now?  Haha.




Via Randomizer.org

the winner of my blog candy is......


#4 Brandi R.

Congratulations Brandi!  Please shoot me an email to momtojeb@gmail   dot com

Please respond within 7 days.


Saturday, May 23, 2015

May Arts Ribbon Design Team Call Submission 2015/16 Round 1

 Count me among the many crafters that are super excited to apply for the amazing May Arts Ribbon Design Team!  This is the first of two rounds in the selection process.  I'm charged with showing a minimum of three projects.  Of course, I can't just choose three, so I'll share a brief photo and links to some of my favorites.  I hope you like them too!  To begin, I'm sharing a new creation specifically for this post, along with a tutorial (tutorial is required). 

As of this writing, my sister is about to hit a milestone birthday; 50 years.  In addition, her youngest son just got married.  I wanted to do something super special, so I made a vinyl cut silhouette picture of my nephew and his new bride, with my Cricut Explore, and dressed it up with lots of May Arts Ribbon.  As you can see, I'm going with a monochromatic theme here.



To begin decorating my vinyl cut photo, I'm going to create a floral focus with May Arts Ribbon 2 mm bakers twine (for a looped accent and twine leaves),  trimmed rosette ribbon and mini adhesive rosette ribbon.

Starting with the looped accent:  you can use a toothpick or needle and Styrofoam, however I'm using a paper piercer and the piercing section of my Sizzix Stamper's Secret Weapon.

 1) Apply medium adhesive dot to a small punched circle, approximately 1/2" or fussy cut a circle from paper or cardstock.  Adhesive should be face up.
2) Poke toothpick or paper pierced through center of adhered circle.

3) Begin looping twine around the base of your piercer to make 6 loops (3 large loops and 3 smaller loops - approximately 2" for the large and 1" for the small), pressing down onto your adhered circle as you cross over with each loop. 


When finished, top with a medium or large sized adhesive dot.


Next, I'm making some twine leaves, also with the May Arts Ribbon 2 mm black/white bakers twine.  I've cut several leaf shapes using my Cricut, however you can use any leaf punch or hand cut this 1.5" shape.  Experiment and try different patterns of your own choosing, if you wish. 

1) Add adhesive to the top of your leaves (I used my Xyron sticker maker)
2)  Trim 4" of twine, per leaf, placing one end in the center of the adhersive side, dragging straight down to the bottom center edge,  Follow the outer edge of the leaf shape, filling inward.

3) Finish by trimming at the last gap, pressing edge firmly onto adhered leaf.

 
 The final piece to my floral centerpiece are the centers trimmed from the May Arts Ribbon 1.5" sheer white rosette ribbon.  I've taken 3 trimmed rosettes, and added foam squares to the back, bunching them together as a trio.  Top with the floral loops, adhering with more adhesive dots, and add a large enamel dot and the twine leaf accents.


Lastly, I used the May Arts Ribbon 5/8" adhesive mini rosettes to outline the acrylic stand-up frame.  The top, upper edge of the adhesive ribbon strip was pressed onto the backside of the frame, so that the outline of the flowers stands out.  I placed a tiny drop of silver glitter glue inside each little bud, and also on the centers of my larger rosettes for the centerpiece.


I have to say, these little mini adhesive rosettes have become my new favorite!  They go with so many of my projects and can be cut, stacked in bunches, colored.... the options are endless.


Additional supplies:  Clear Scraps Acrylic Book Stand, Tombow Adhesive Dots, Studio G Silver Glitter Glue, Xyron 2.5" sticker maker, We R Memory Keepers large enamel dots, Tombow Foam Tape (trimmed squares)


Now on to some of my favorite May Arts Ribbon Creations from 2014-2015:



This decorative Halloween popcorn box features MAR 1.5" sheer white mesh ribbon that has been colored with ink, and swirly baker's twine circles.  The entire theme is an ode to my love of The Wizard of Oz.




This is the card I gave my Mom for Mother's Day this year.  It features four different MAR products, including the sheer white mesh listed above, the butterfly ribbon, the mini gingham adhesive hearts,  and the 1.5" frayed thread ribbon



I won the Tombow 2015 Baby Challenge with this card.   One MAR satin ribbon, cut 3 ways; flat strip, rolled strip and a pretty bow.  Sometimes, a little simplicity is all you need to make a statement.



Next up is a rockin' card, created for the May Arts Ribbon Retro Challenge, I went waaaay over the top with a rock n roll theme.  It's finished inside and out.  I really, really love this one and am so happy that it won top honors.  It features 4 different MAR ribbons that you can find at the link below.





Lastly, here's a recent creation using May Arts Ribbon 1.5" Parrot Green Net ribbon and natural burlap string to embellish a colored candle. 



Thank you Bethney and May Arts Ribbon for your consideration in Round One.

I would love for all my fellow MAR fans to come and follow me on Facebook at facebook.com/wavingmywand - 

Good Luck to all the entrants!


#cre8time #mayartsribbon #twine #dtcall #designteam #tombow #xyron #adornit #unitystampco #cdd

Thursday, May 21, 2015

You Did It ! Congrats!

Today, my niece graduates from high school.  She's the youngest of my brothers's children, and I'm almost certain, tears will be shed tonight.  She's also a girl after my own heart; a scrapbooker!  I'd like to say I had a hand in it, but she's an independant girl and does her own thing.  However, one thing I do know - she'll appreciate a hand-made card.




I acquired this stamp set, not too long ago, from My Favorite Things.  It's called Photo Booth and has so many fun elements.  It can be used for graduation, a wedding, a party.... so many occasions.  I also used the coordinating dies to make the chat bubbles.  It's a super fun set and I appreciate MFT so much for sending me this set to play with.


The papers that I chose are from the We R Memory Keepers Inked Rose 6"x6" paper pad.  I LOVE this set.  I mean, really love it.  I've stripped it down to the bare bones so I'll have to find more because it has the most gorgeous polka dot and striped papers EVER!  



To set this piece off, I used my May Arts chevron ribbon and glued it with adhesive dots.  I have several colors of the chevron and they are some of my absolute favorites.  The colors are so fresh and that's just one of the things that keep me coming back to May Arts Ribbon.  

Thanks for stopping by!  I've got a giveaway still going that ends Sunday, Mar. 24th, so look for the post about Deb's Blogiversary if you'd like to enter.

I'm also entering my card into these challenges:



Zots Adhesive Dots

Additional supplies: Basic Grey enamel dots, Spellbinders Celebra'tions Rectangle pierced dies and circle dies, Thermoweb Medium Zots, The Paper Studio Foam Squares, Close To My Heart black archival dye ink

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in the affiliate programs linked above because they are products that I use and love. Your purchase price is not affected in any way, by using my links.  Thank you for your support and helping me keep my content free!

#cre8time #thermoweb #mftstamps #spellbinders #basicgrey #ctmh #cdd #graduation #wedding #party #celebration

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Blogiversary Party with Deb at Meticulosity!

 Welcome to the Blogiversary Party for Meticulosity!  My crafty pal Deb asked me to help celebrate and of course, I'm all about a good party.  We're Design Team sisters over at Mountain Plains Crafters and Deb is one of the sweetest people you will ever know.  I'm so happy to help her celebrate the 1 year milestone of her blog.  She's come a long way, baby!  Be sure you visit all the participating links go get in all the blog candy that's being offered.  

You can find all the links here, at Deb's post for today:


I'll be offering up blog candy as well.  More about that at the end of this post.  But first, let me quickly share a few details about this card.

I recently purchased the most gorgeous papers from Graphic 45, Time To Flourish.  These papers are super pretty and perfect for celebrating friendship.




I had two identical pages, so I chose to fussy cut some of the images from one page, to pop up those images on my card.   To begin, I'm making a shaker piece as an element on my card. 

Here's what I did:

- Punch 3/4" circle on seed packet
- Punch 1" circle on white cardstock.
- Use blending tool to ink vintage color onto the 1" circle
- Adhere 1" circle inside partially fused 1.5" clear pocket and add bling
(I chose Doubleclick Connection Skittles for my "seeds")
-Finish sealing your pocket with the Fuse and adhere pocket to card
- Pop up top layer of seed packet with thin, trimmed strips of foam squares at top and
bottom inside edges, lining up appropriately with the circle of seeds.

(Purchase your own FUSE here: http://shrsl.com/?~8o0k - affiliate link)


 I added some additional dimension here by fussy cutting some of the flowers and popping out individual buds.  It really gives it that something "extra".  I also added some Stickles glitter glue to the red flower and the popped out the center bud.


I wrapped some May Arts Ribbon Natural Burlap String around my seed packet for a natural, country feel.  There's even a few "seeds" spilling out of the packet.   


I just so happen to have an extra stamp set from the Unity Stamp Company that I'm offering up as blog candy.  This is brand new and I love it so much.  I'm thankful to count Deb as a friend so this is the perfect gift for the avid stamper. 



To qualify to win this stamp set, simply leave a comment on this blog post, including your email (spell out dot com to avoid spammers) so I have a way of contacting you.  I will select a winner via randomizer.org and announce the winner on Sunday, May 24th.  For an extra entry, share this post on your social media of choice and tell me in a separate comment, where you shared.  Good Luck!

I'll also be entering my project into the Tombow May Challenge here:











Additional supplies: Lil Inker Designs oval stitched frame die, Simon Says Stamp Goldenlock ink, May Arts Ribbon Chevron Twill, Tombow Power Bond adhesive runner, Ki foam squares, Ranger Stickles Glitter Glue Tropical Tangerine




Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in the affiliate programs linked above because they are products that I use and love. Your purchase price is not affected in any way, by using my links.  Thank you for your support and helping me keep my content free!

#rangerink #graphic45 #simonsaysstamp #lilinkerdesigns #mayartsribbon #wrmk #wermemorykeepers #americancrafts #unitystampco #skittles #doubleclickconnection

Monday, May 18, 2015

Be Brave and Just Keep Dancing

 Another weekend, come and gone.  I struggle with Mondays, although I am happy to have my health and the ability to get up out of bed every morning.  I made this card for a friend who is facing the unknown with some medical issues.  We're all praying for good news, but in the meantime, I hope she likes this card.  It's a reminder that no matter the struggle, you can go in two directions: let the struggle win.... or win the struggle.  So be brave and just keep dancing! 

Scroll down for some of the fun details and photos


 I've colored some May Arts Ribbon Flowers.  All the ribbons on this project are from MAR.  You can press your flower directly onto an ink pad, or use a blending tool.  For the blue flower, I used my blending tool and Powder Puff chalk ink, also on the doily, as well.  For the pink, I pressed directly onto the pad.  Both options are presented so you can see the difference. 


 
I thought I'd try to make a rolled flower, using my satin ribbon and a die with my Cuttlebug.



It's all about the experiment, right?  I cut 3.5" ribbon strips and ran them through my Xyron 9" Creative Station.  I then overlapped 3 strips each, then placed the sticky side of both 3.5" strips together to form a sealed square. 

It was a little too thick and after multiple passes through my Cuttlebug, I had to finish off by fussy cutting the scalloped outline, which was actually very easy, since there was a very good impression.  I think it turned out great!




I watercolored this lovely sentiment from the ADORNit Art Play Paintables and added some Ranger Stickles Glitter Glue.  Those cute little bubbles are Skittles in the color "Stream", from DoubleClick Connections.
 


You can purchase the ADORNit Art Play Paintables here:

 





Carolee's Creations - Adornit - Art Play Paintables - 12 x 12 Paper - Be Awesome - $1.49

from: Scrapbook.com


I'm entering my project in the challenge below:





Additional supplies: Ranger Stickles Glitter glue in Lagoon, Neon Flamingo and Yellow, Tombow Dual Brush pens, Pretty Little Studio Polka Dot paper and Flag, Flowers and Pink burlap string from May Arts Ribbon, pink iridescent gemstone (maker unknown), Spellbinders Celebra'tions Rectangle Pierced dies, Quick Quotes Powder Puff ink in Tahini, Colorbox Pinkolicious ink,  My Favorite Things Die-namic rolled scallop flower die, Marvy Le Pen black ultra fine point, white gel pen, Tombow Power Bond adhesive runner, Tulip fabric paint (for adhering flowers), Tombow adhesive dots



Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in the affiliate programs linked above because they are products that I use and love. Your purchase price is not affected in any way, by using my links.  Thank you for your support and helping me keep my content free!

Sunday, May 17, 2015

The Phone That Just Won't Die or A Miracle on Motorola Street

Men.  They can be so stubborn.  And "thrifty".  Take for example my husband.  Do you see this phone?  According to the Hubs, it's been dropped repeatedly (20 times or more), fallen into water, been chewed on by the dog, and been pooped on by the cat (I kid you not.  Would I kid you?)

It is evident, by appearances, that it has truly lived a long and hard life.  Granted, it's only about 4 or 5 years old, but in phone years, that's what.... about 12 years?  My husband loves his flip phone.  He's tried others, but always goes back to "Old Red".


Most recently, we let our 13 year old borrow this phone to take on his first outing with the high school band.  We should have known better.  This is a kid who trips, drops and breaks everything.  
We were naive to think that Old Red would survive a night out with the boy.  We were wrong.

As the bus arrived back from the game, late that night, our boy slowly sauntered over with that "look" on his face.  If you have boys, you know that look; both eyebrows scrunched upwards, shoulders dropped, both hands in the pants pocket and that dragging gait that bespeaks, "God, please help me."



According to the boy, he tripped and the phone fell out of his pocket.  A few minutes later, the story was revised to admit running was involved prior to said tripping.  As the rest of the evening unfolded, more details emerged, confirming what we already knew.  The fault was ours - we knew better -  it was destined to happen.

We can't really blame the kid.  We knew the risk we were taking and we took it anyway.  
Based on the Hub's not-so-illustrious experience with gadgets and phones, is it any wonder where the boy gets it?

Let me sum it all up.  The phone still works.  Unbelievable, isn't it?  There's the problem with no screen, but hey, the Hubs is happy that he can still place a call and receive a call.  Sure, he can't flip the button to tell time, so he'll probably be late for every meeting, but boy howdy, the phone still works.  






#motorola #takesalickinkeepsontickin #thisismylife #myfamilyrebelstechnology

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in the affiliate programs linked above because they are products that I use and love. Your purchase price is not affected in any way, by using my links.  Thank you for your support and helping me keep my content free!