IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR!

OUTLAWZ GREETINGS CHALLENGE - CREATE A VINTAGE CARD

Vintage Toilet Paper Mini

Image "Me Bloomers" by Robyn's Fetish

 2012 has been a very interesting year for me personally, professionally, and spiritually.  I think I have grown as a crafter.  I like to think of myself as a designer...silly, I know, but I have always believed that you have to see yourself where you want to be.

For 2013, I plan to focus on developing my design point of view and aesthetics.  So it is probably fitting that I am ending the year at Outlawz with Vintage, a design style that has become the new bane of my creative existence.  Clean and Simple was once the tormentor of my crafting soul, but I have been able to get six fingers around that! :D)  So now it is on to Vintage!

The flowers were so easy to make.  I have to work on my "spritzing technique" but the colors worked out far better than I ever imagined it would.  It takes about two minutes from start to finish to create these.  Hooyah!!

Running your Toilet Paper Holders through the Big Shot a few times will flatten it.  Unfortunately, my photo does not show my charms.   

Thanks to all of you for your support during the year.  I hope I have created some projects that have inspired you.  I invite you to join me at  Nicely Done Designs, my new challenge blog.  It is a challenge for beginners, like me, and for seasoned designers.  The goal is to engage designers who want to step out of their comfort zone and create projects using items that don't always appear to "work" together for good design.  I only give out badges and the winners make up the upcoming Design Inspiration Teams".  I hope some of you will play along.  The challenges run for two weeks, so you will have time to create your project.

May G-d Bless You and Keep You and Yours through the end of this year and throughout many, many years to come.
Hugz,
Chana

Challenges Entered:
Simon Says Stamp and Show

Prima Craftsman - Kindle Tablet

LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE BOYS!!

My husband is a retired engineer and when I was trying to decide on his paper, I came across the Prima "Craftsman" Collection and it was just perfect. I let him choose the papers for his tablet.  He did very well!

 I love the way his case turned out.  The colors in these papers are subtle but  very powerful (just like my hubby!)  My grandson has requested an Orange Case.  Now that will be very interesting!

So this is how things worked out in our family:  My Husband, my daughter and I all got the Kindle Fire HD 8.9.  My Son and my Grandson both got  the Apple iPad.  Now I have to make a lot of cases.

I hope everyone has had a marvelous holiday!  Thanks for stopping by!
Hugz,
Chana

The CASE for CRAFTING

KINDLE FIRE HD 8.9/Wi-Fi 4G

There was a time, BC, (before crafting) when I would have had to buy the most expensive designer case for my tablet.  But that was then and this is now, AD, (after de-programming) and my outlook is very different.  You see, I figured out how many rolls of Scor-tape I could purchase for the $54.00 they wanted for the fancy, Schmancy case and I said, "not in this life.  Hey, I could complete my G45 Ladies Diary Paper Collection."
So, thank you, Laura Denison, paper crafter extraordinaire.  She has a tutorial that shows you how to construct your own case.   I love it!
P.S.  I am making three more (two as gifts (they will be done before X-mas) and one for me using G45 Ladies Diary!  One is going to have a faux metal cover...should be interesting!

Have a look!

Pink Paislee "Daily Junque Paper Collection"
The wood cut letters are Pink Paislee  "Saw Dust"
"This Way Arrow and Explore"  Pink Paislee "Nantucket"

See the fabulous self-stand!  So Cool!!

This is how it attaches in the back!  I used the borders from the papers to incorporate the Daily Junque name into my embellishments!

The stylus holder was not in the Laura Denison Design, however, anything that looks like a pen is destined to get lost five minutes after coming into my possession, so I NEEDED this!  :D)

When using this on my drafting table (in the vertical position) I use the metal stand as shown in photograph #1.  You can also watch my video in the video bar! Thanks for stopping by! Hugz, Chana

Next Year - Online

Crafter's Cafe Challenge Blog

Image by Robert Jackson

Our Challenge at CCCB is sponsored this week by Robert Jackson.  Considering all the craziness that is going on in malls and stand alone retail venues at this time of the year, I thought this image was quite appropriate!

Hop over to the challenge and check out the wonderful work my teammates have done.  While you are there, share your tag creation.

Thanks for stopping by,

Hugz,

Chana

I Still Like Books - Artistic Inspirations Challenge

ARTISTIC INSPIRATIONS CHALLENGE - ANYTHING GOES!!
(images by Eureka Stamps (Friends) and QKR Stampede (Nurse Mouse)

Even though I finally broke down and purchased a Kindle Fire with the Birthday Money from hubby (who has still not recovered from the fact that I did not buy crafting supplies!!!) I still love to read. I love paper.  So I hope we don't really ever go totally Star Trek, at least not in my lifetime, anyway!

These bookmarks are quick and easy to make.  It is a great way to use your stash!
It is all folding.  Any square sheet of paper will work.  I wouldn't go smaller than 4"x4" though.

 My teammates have come up with some pretty awesome projects, so I hope you will drop by and check them out!  Thanks for stopping by!

Hugz,
Chana

Thank You Bearry Much - Outlawz Greetings Challenge

The Outlawz Greetings Challenge - TAG/GIFT CARD HOLDER

Hello, Crafty Peep,  I have another Lyn Bernatovich project today.  Gift cards are so popular these days and this little Tag/Gift Card holder is the perfect presentation.  You can hang them on the tree with the individual's name right the front.  I used this one on a Kraft Gift Bag and it was MONEY!

My team did not hold it against me that I forgot this was supposed to be a THANK YOU project! :D)

I hope you will give a try!    Hugz,   Chana

This cute little tag/gift card holder if from a tutorial by Lyn Bernatovich
This adorable image is from Crafter's Companion  Mulberry Wood  - Gone Fishing

You can decorate your tag more elaborately, But this was for a Child's gift
and I wanted to keep it simple.  The caption says you're mine, hook, line, and sinker.
I tried to make the words look wavy...not a great success!

Challenges Entered:

Catered Crop - Tag You're It!

Quirky Crafts Challenge- Last Minute

LAST MINUTE GIFT!!!

The top tag is difficult to see due to the dark colors, however, the ribbon is attached to a tag

This week I have the pleasure of being a Guest Designer for Quirky Crafts Challenge.  Their Challenge Theme is: Last Minute/Last Minute Christmas Gifts.   I thought this wonderful little two-drawer box and tag project was ideal.

This is very easy to make and is quite utilitarian.  I used Chipboard for the drawers and holders to give added sturdiness to the project.  You can use regular cardstock.

My project is sitting on vanity table in my TV/Reading room and I am using it to hold my jewelry.  Usually, I just drop it on the table, but now it has a real home.  The tutorial for this project can be found HERE

Additional Tag - Image by Delicious Doodles

This is a fun challenge and I would love to see all of you there.

Hugz,

Chana
I am entering this project into the following challenges:
Craft and Me Challenge - No Blue
Totally Gorjuss - For Someone Special
Challenges 4 Everybody
Crafty-Emblies - Toy Box/Toy/Box

Nicely Done Designs - Mystery Box #1

Mystery Box # 1:  Buttons, Twine, Corrugated Cardboard, Handmade Flowers

I finally had a chance to complete my project for The Nicely Done Designs Challenge.  So far, we have had only five entries, but each designer's project is awesome.  These ladies grasped my vision for the projects that will be entered into these challenges.  Anyway, here is my take on the Mystery Box Items

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 I call this project "The Poor Man's Shadow Box."  I cut up an Amazon cardboard box and used it to  create the Shadow Box and the dividers that create the compartments.  The plastic Lid was made using the top half of a box that my Sukara Glaze Pens were shipped in.  It creates a very interesting design element as the embellishments on the front of the cover blend perfect with the visible interior components.  (Challenge elements on cover:  Handmade Flower, Two Buttons with Twine.)

The top of the tag is Duck Tape that has been embossed and painted.

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 This is the back side of the lid!  I made two buttons from scrap design paper and layered them onto each other.  I love the optical illusion created here.  Most of these items are actually on the front side, but it is an awesome layered look.

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Challenge Elements: Buttons and Twine: (R) I used handmade buttons to create a "Button Flower"  I then attached a small heart charm and added a small piece of twine. (L) I attached my initial to a handmade button

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I covered the corrugated cardboard with Gesso and then used acrylic paint to mimic aged wood.  Hard to see in picture.  I decided to leave most of the cardboard exposed to satisfy the challenge criteria.

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 Here is my second handmade flower.

I had great fun working on this project.  My hands got really messy and my studio was a wreck!  I thoroughly enjoyed myself.  I was inspired by a Shadow Box I saw on Flamerick's  YouTube Channel.   I could not find his tutorial, so I made one (four parts) showing my progression through the creation of this project.  The Tutorial is in four parts.  I hope you will all take a look!  Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see your creations in this or upcoming Nicely Done Design Challenges!

Hugz,

Chana

This project has been entered into the following Challenges:
Simply Create
Art Impressions  - Antiquing Techniques
DL.Art - Anything with Music
Creative Moments - Anything Goes/Anything But A Card
Through The Craft Room Door - Always Anything Goes
Delicious Doodles - Anything But A Card
Inspire Me Fridays - Always Anything Goes
Tuesday Alchemy - Anything Goes
Challenges 4 Everybody - Anything Goes
Crafty- Emblies - Toy Box/Toy/Box
Pile It On - Embellishments

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!

A REMINDER!  Please check out Nicely Done Designs Challenge

A  bi-weekly design challenge with a twist!

Buttons, Twine, Corrugated Cardboard, Handmade Flowers

Can You Put It All Together and Solve The Mystery

GUYLOU'S INIMITABILITY CHALLENGE

 ANYTHING WITH SNOW

In my world, It's Snowing Goodie Bags

I have warned everyone, until I have made 24 Goodie Bags for My Grandson's School, all of my DT projects will be Goodie Bags!!  

Image by Guylou's Inimitability

My Teammates at Guylous are very, very, creative. HOP ON OVER and check out their amazing creations!

IT'S A JUNGLE OUT THERE!

A REMINDER!  Please check out my new challenge blog
Nicely Done Designs

A new bi-weekly design challenge with a twist!







OUTLAWZ GREETINGS CHALLENGE - 12/10/2012

Good Morning!  If its Monday, then it must be Outlawz!  Our challenge this week is to create a project using an Animal Print or a project in which an animal is the focal point of your design.

Since I am still making treat bags (due at the school on Friday) I thought this cute little Safari Themed paper would make a perfect gift for one of the students.  I have to to go the Dollar Tree today and see if there are any "stuffers" left.  I hate doing candy for the kids.

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope to see your work in the Greetings Challenge!
I would also love to see your work at Nicely Done Designs.
Hugz,
Chana

This project is being entered into the following challenges:

Bearly Mine - Anything Goes
Everybody's Art - Challenge - Anything Goes
Creative Craft Challenge - Humorous
Party Time Tuesday - Kid's Christmas
Tuesday Alchemy - Anything Goes
Nana Vic's First Challenge

JOLLY AND BRIGHT - Eclectic Ellapu

MY NEW CHALLENGE BLOG IS LAUNCHED!!!

Make sure you check out  "Nicely Done Designs."  The concept of the challenge is a little different than most challenge blogs and I hope it will be fun for designers of all skill levels and in all disciplines.

JOLLY AND BRIGHT - ECLECTIC ELLAPU CHALLENGE

JOLLY AND BRIGHT ENVELOPE GIFT BAG

My project, a cute little Goodies Bag made from an envelope.  The envelope has been covered with  aluminum foil and embossed with my Big Shot.

The image, by Unity Stamp Compan, is one of the weekly Itty Bitty Stamp Club offerings.

Nicely Done Designs Challenge Blog

MY NEW CHALLENGE BLOG IS LAUNCHED!!!

Today I launched a new challenge blog called "Nicely Done Designs."  The concept of the challenge is a little different than most challenge blogs and I hope it will be fun for designers of all skill levels and in all disciplines.

I hope you will stop by and check it out!

  Mystery Box Challenge #1

 Create a design using ALL of the items in our Mystery Box.

There are a few other differences:

(1) We will not have a permanent Design Team, instead,  3 designers will be chosen from each challenge and will be invited to create the inspiration projects for the next challenge. 

(2)  Designers chosen to for the DT will be given the opportunity to determine the contents of upcoming Mystery Boxes.

(3)  All Mystery box items must be used. When colors are specified, they must be prominent in the design.

There will be no prizes awarded and we will have no sponsors.  Designers may use any artist.  

This challenge is all about design and about thinking and stepping outside of our comfort zones.

Some Mystery Boxes may require rubber stamps as opposed to digital Images and vice versa. 

The Mystery Box Contents will be very generic.  Hopefully, most of the  items are already languishing in your craft room just waiting to be used.  We are not enablers!  (HA!) 

The Mystery Box Contents for DECEMBER 8 - DECEMBER 21, 2012

You do not have to use an image or have a sentiment. 

BUTTONS

TWINE

HANDMADE FLOWERS

CORRUGATED CARDBOARD

                                      

Good Luck!

Hugz,
Chana Malkah Harris
Owner

Rockin' In A Winter Wonderland! - Crafter's Cafe

 Hi, Cardies,

Just wanted to share this cute little Mini Bag with A Tag created for our challenge at The  The Crafter's Cafe Challenge Blog.  The Challenge was to Create a TAG, you know me! :D)
I wanted to try the Aluminum Foil forged metal technique and I decided a tag would be the perfect vehicle.
The Swiss Dot embossing folder made wonderful impression on both sides and it looks as though the tag was hammered from forged metal.  Hubby did not want to wait while I detached the tag from the handle (it is held on by a brad) so I didn't get a picture of the back  May later...it has a fun look.
The Mini Bag is made from one sheet of 8 1/2" x 11" Kraft Card Stock creatively folded.  No cutting, how fun is that?  I added the key ring for a little visual interest.

Digital Image by The Stamping Boutique!
Isn't the 'Rocking In A Winter Wonderland' Snowman just adorable?

This is was supposed to be a side view   It is bad when your photographer has someplace else  he needs to go and you are behind on your projects! :D)

Our Challenge this week is sponsored by Robert Jackson of Fine Arts By Robert Jackson.  My Teammates have made some fabulous tags using his images hop over and check them out HERE

 Thanks for stopping by!  Hugz,   Chana

WHAT'S COOKING - Recipe Swap

Hello, Cardies,

We are having a recipe swap over at Stamp-N-Doodle.  Create a recipe card, and place it in our challenge.  Lynn plans to compile the recipes into a digital book and share.  If you would like to have your recipe included, add your project to our challenge and in the link at the end of this post.

This sleeve will eventually end up in a recipe box that I am working on. I had some handwritten tags left over from Thanksgiving, so I just added them to the front of this sleeve.

The recipe name will be printed on a tab and attached to each card!

The recipe sleeves are made from envelopes.

 Loading InLinkz ...

Pillow Box - Artistic Inspirations

Hello, Cardies,

 This Pillow Box tutorial was posted at PaperCraft Planet by Lyn Bernatovich.   This is just another wonderful example of what you can do with Toilet Paper rolls.  So start saving them up!

I also hope you will join me over at Artistic Inspirations.  I have just been selected to join their design team, along with several really talented designers.  We are going to have a blast and I hope you will join in the fun

Digital Image " Garden Clock"  by Stamping Dragon Designs

 I did not want the rustic look of the Toilet Paper Roll, so I covered my TP roll with Duck Tape and ran it through my Sizzix using my Clockworks Embossing Folder.  I then colored the image and attached it to the front.

Duck Tape makes the cardboard less pliable, so I added holders on each end to keep the box closed.

The little pillow boxes will make great stocking stuffers or you could give them as hostess gifts at your next dinner party.

I hope you  will stop by Artistic Inspirations and check out the beautiful work of my fellow teammates!
Hugz,
Chana

This project is being entered into the following challenges:
Catch The Bug Challenge - Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamps - Anything Goes
Emergency Crafters
Stampavie - Anything But (not) Square  (They are having a DT Call)
Fat Pages and Cards - Anything Goes  (They are having a DT Call)

SUNSHINE AWARD #2

I know a very sweet lady whose name is Patti.  Patti and I used to chat about our grandkids and visit each other's blogs and that was before we both got busy with design team duties.  Patti recently sent me this sunshine award and she said something that made me get misty-eyed, she said that even though we are now on the same design team, she doesn't have that much interaction with me...not as much as she had hoped.
Well, I am going to have to change that.  I have been very busy, but that is no reason to lose contact with people you really like.  I am working on time management.  Since I retired, time seems to get away from me.  Anyway, Thanks, Patti, for slapping some sense into me.  I will be more present, I promise.  Thanks, Patti!  I really appreciate the kind thoughts and words!
Please visit Patti's blog, Scrap Close To The Heart.  Her work is outstanding!



Here are the rules:

1. Include award logo in blog post.
2. Thank the blogger who gave it to you and include a link back to them.
3. Answer 10 questions about yourself, that you have made up yourself. (I might have to pinch a few!)
4. Nominate 10-12 bloggers and contact them at their blog site to inform them.

ohhhh so now 10 questions about me!  That's not easy

1. What are the type of activity that you do if you are not crafting?  Singing,  playing time management games, reading, listening to Old School Music.
2. What type of books do you like to read?  I love murder mysteries.  My favorite mystery author was Agatha Christie.  Her plots were sometimes so rediculous, but she created the most interesting characters.  She was an observer of life and had lots of insight into human nature.
3. What do you enjoy most about card crafting?  I enjoy the process of creating.  I am a slower designer.  Sometimes I will have three or four unfinished projects on my drafting table.  I am always looking for the perfect embellishment, the perfect sentiment.  I look at card making as though I were a chef trying to prepare the perfect menu:  appetizer, entree, and dessert.  Each course has to be an entity unto itself and yet it must relate to course before it and after it and all the elements within each course (wine, bread, cheese, etc.) must be tied together as a cohesive, well thought out meal.   Design is like that for me.  I can't just put a flower on a card because it is the right color or because it fits in a space I am trying to fill.  The process is maddening and frustrating and fun and wonderful and I love it.
4. What are you looking forward to most, right now?  I am looking forward to retirement.  My husband retired 12 years ago.  We operated a business together for for seven years and we are thinking about opening a Craft Room after I retire.  It would not be a Stamp Store, more like a place for crafters to have classes and swaps and crops...stuff like that.  For the very first time in my career, I actually don't really like going to work anymore.  I have to talk myself into getting up and getting out, and once I get to work, I sometimes struggle to stay focused and to really care about what is going on.  I find myself thinking about card making and how many projects I could have completed (Ha!) if only I were not stuck in clinic.   I am also eagerly looking forward to the birth of my sixth grandchild.  That should happen in January.  So I am stoked!
5. Who is your favorite "Old School Artist?" This is impossible to answer.  I think I put it here because I get asked that a lot.  I grew up during a time when artists actually had to be able to "sing" in order to get a recording contract!  How does one choose between artist like: Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, Tammy Terrell?  Which Group?  The Supremes, The Temptation, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Gladys Knight and The Pips, The Imperials?  Gene Chandler, Nancy Wilson, Jerry Butler, Sam Cook, Lou Rawls....See what I mean.  I haven't even talked about Ray Charles, MICHAEL JACKSON.  I'll shut up now!
6. What is your favorite color to use in card design?  White.
7. What is your favorite style of design?  Clean and Simple.  Why? It requires the most thought and is truly a "process."
8. What is your least favorite style?  Pile it on!   I can't do it.  I have not mastered the process.  When I try to pile it on, it just looks like I piled a bunch of stuff on a card and it is butt ugly!  I really admire designers who have conquered this style.  It looks so gorgeous!
9. Do you watch TV? Not much.  I watch Scandal (I need prayer) and I watch Atlanta Falcons' Football.  I like the Food Network.  Shows like Chopped and Cup Cake Wars.  Anything where people are creating.  I usually watch Star Trek (Original series) Stargate: SG1, Star Trek Voyager, Star Trek DS9, 24 and Steven Spielberg's Taken on CD in my studio while I'm working.
10. What is your ultimate goal for your crafting?  I think I would like to keep working on technique, skills, creativity, design aesthetic until I feel confident in applying for one of the Major Manufacturer's Design Team.  That will take years, but, in the meantime, I am working on making videos, step tutorials, and becoming Copic certified.  What I don't want is to have my hobby become another job.

I really hope that the people that I choose will accept this award.
Colleen - She is awesome.  DT spots at the Outlawz are invitation only.  No applying.  I was just shocked that she choose me.  Her work is stunning!
Carla - Such a nice lady and her work is da bomb!
Joyce - Joyce is a wonderful designer.  But I want her to have this award because the name of the award epitomizes who she is.  She always makes me smile...Naw, she cracks me up.
Kathi - Super talented lady and a super duper positive force.  Kathi takes everything in stride.  Her calm nature is reflected in her work.  It has a wonderful calming effect!  Wonderful team player and a very proactive rather than reactive person.  So nice to be on a team with her.
Roxann - Because she is talented, fun (well as much fun as a creative stalker can be (LOL) rides a Harley and lives in Georgia, like me! (Wait, I don't ride a Harley!)
Trina - She is young and gifted and she encouraged me to start applying for DTs.  She is also a very talented digi artist!
Jen - This woman has made skills.  Not just card crafting, but costuming and lot of other Artsy Craftsy things.  She is also a wonderful team player and sooo very helpful.
Jo Ann - Just an amazing designer and a very sweet soul!  I always enjoy meeting people who actually live the walk!
Pryn and Sandi -Because they are fabulous designers and the title of this award describes them to a tee!  Two magnificent rays of SUNSHINE!