Sunshine Award

I have been having some true difficulty accessing my MSN account.  Today, they worked on it for a while.  So, around 9:30 pm, I decided I would attempt to login and OMGosh I was successful.  The first e-mail I received was from Vicky, a member of my Design Team at Jackson Digital Expressions.  She sent me this wonderful Sunshine Blogger Award...so nice.  I couldn't even stay upset at Microsoft. Vicky is sweet and she is amazing and talented.  I don't know how she does it all!   Thanks, Vicky!  I really appreciate the kind thoughts and words!



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!

FAMILY MATTERS - JDE CAS CHALLENGE

Hello, Cardies!  This is a re-post.  I have been a little under the weather and have not had much interest in crafting or much of anything else.   Over at The Outlawz, The Greetings Team Challenge this week is National Popcorn Week!  We are to create a project with "Popped Elements" or use Popcorn or even make a Pop Up Card.   I don't have the energy to do any of that, so I decided to repost this Robert Jackson image.  The window is "Popped Out".   Hope you will join us.

We have three sponsors this month for the Greetings Challenge.   Robert Jackson in one of those sponsors.  You could win some fun images.  See ya there!
Hugz,
Chana

Thanks, for looking!

Chana

The Beauty of Fall

Hi, Peeps!  Today, I have another stationery set to share with you.  You were warned! (LOL)  

It's Monday, and that means it is the first day of the new Greetings Challenge over at The Outlawz!

This week we are celebrating "National Nuts and Bolts Day" and the challenge is to use "Metal" in your card.  This challenge opens up a lot of possibilities.  I would love to see what you come up with!

Here's my idea!

I just love this gold piece from FabScraps

Inside, More metal.  My medallion is a little crooked and we didn't catch it when photographing, but it is loosely attached.  So my metal pieces are:  The Large Gold Medallion on the Green Stationery Wallet,  The Oval Frame with three Metallic Pearls, The Gold Paper Clip on the Chocolate Tags.  All of my tags have metal Eyelets, and there are three Eylets on the Pocket Folder through which the ribbon is threaded.  There is also a Gold Rimmed White Pearl.

Stationery Wallet and Large Note Card

Inside the Stationery Wallet

Just wanted to show the beautiful design on the Printed Paper.  The contents on the right are:
Top to Bottom:  Rounded Edge Stationery Sheets.  1 Decorative Edge Stationery Sheet,  One Note Card with Flower Bow Tie, One Any Occasion Card, and three Library Tags.

I intend to enter this project into the following challenges:

Anything But A Card - Fall/Fall
Make It Monday - Always Anything Goes
Challenges 4 Every body - Anything Goes
TTCRD - Anything Goes
Quirky Crafts - Anything But A Card -Autumn Colors
Sunday Stamper - Honey Colors or Honey Cone
The Hybrid Chick Card Caravan
Amusing Challenges

Thanks for Stopping By!  

Hugz,

Chana

I'm Sweet On You!

DIE: SPELLBINDERS' OCTAGON STRIP AND ACCENTS
TUCK AND FOLD DIE
Before we get to my design project.  I  want to share today a quick project.   I wanted to deliver a stationery folder and  individual card to a lady who is very generous in giving me papers to work with in my crafting.  I didn't want to do a gift bag and I really did not want to just tie it with ribbon. I have fallen in love with these SB Dies.  There is another company that has a huge selection of tuck and fold dies.  I ordered from the a couple of year ago but lost their information.   If I find them again,  I will post it here. Great presentation, particularly if you  decorate you envelopes!

And now for my Design Project

IMAGE BY LIMITED RUN

This adorable image is from Limited Run and they are our sponsors this month over at the Crafter's Cafe Challenge Blog!  When you visit the challenge, you will not see my project, because the theme is Halloween with Distressing and I don't do Halloween.  But I wanted to plug Limited Run, so I chose an image that allowed me to use this wonderful background paper!  I warned you all that I would be making a lot of these Stationery Holders for Hanukkah  so this is another one!  I have yet to decide what the stationery pieces will be or how they will be designed, but I am glad that I have completed the folder and the notebook! 

Hope you like!  Thanks for stopping by!

Hugz,

Chana

Give That Girl A Michelin Star!!- Outlawz-Sarcasm Month

CHEF JJ

It is the dream of every chef to earn a Michelin star for his restaurant!  Well JJ has figured out how to fast track that process!   This wonderful image is by Bugaboo and I thought it would be perfect for my first ever Mini Album!  Over at The Outlawz, our Monday Greetings Challenge pays hommage to National Sarcasm Month.  Our challenge to you is: Use a Sarcastic Sentiment.  My sentiment may be more irony than sarcasm, but it does have a funny bite to it!

This mini album was made using regular #10 business envelopes
The image is by Bugaboo Stamps

Section One
Although the album appears small, there are lots of pockets for tags (this album is a recipe holder) photos, labels and embellishments.  I used four envelopes for this album, but you can use as many envelopes as you need!

Section 2
Double-sided paper works best, and it is a good idea to use all the papers from one paper stack.  Also it is helpful to have two stacks. I have paper left over from my stacks, but they will be used to when I decorate these interior pages.

Section Three
I used the MS Half Daisy punch to decorate the pocket cover (right) and the photo flap (L) 

 Section 4

If you have scraps with coordinating colors, this is a great way to use those scraps!  Even though I had not punched the thumb slot in the back cover when this photo was taken, the back cover is also a recipe holder.  These are so much fun to make and decorate.  I can wait to finish this one!

4 Envelopes

Isn't it amazing what one can do with four little envelopes.  These will make wonderful  Gifts!

Album Spine

The back of your project will look like an accordion.  I plan to post a tutorial for this.

I hope you will try this fun project.  Stop by The Outlawz and checkout the wonderful project created by my teammates!
Hugz,
Chana

I plan to enter this project in the following challenges:
Make It Monday
Eclecticellapu

ECLECTIC ELLAPU

Stationery was die cut using Spellbinder's Diamond Strip Tuck and Fold

Despite my promises, to myself and hubby, that I would not apply for another design team,  I applied to become a member of Eclectic Ellapu.  Elaine and I are teammates over at The Outlawz and I have been oohing and awing over her work for a long time.  I am just excited to be a participant in her new venture.

I want to invite all my Card-d-ologists to stop by and leave some love and a project!  Our Theme for our 1st Opening Challenge is "Anything Goes."  My team "Pink Team" is first up.  Next week we will have our 2nd 1st Challenge hosted by the "Purple Team."   Remember, we are the Eclectics, don't be afraid to show us something different, lovers of all things Avant-garde, we can't wait to see your creations.  Hugz, Chana

Our new challenge blog is all about FUN, FUN, FUN.  We are purely a badge awarding challenge blog rather than being sponsored.

Anyone wanting to join in our weekly challenges has the autonomy to create whatever they wish just as long as it fits the theme for that week.   Maximum entries of 3.

We aim to comment on all entries.

DT's can enter the challenge but will not be eligible for badges. 

Winners will be picked by the challenge host for their week. 

NO RANDOM ORG allowed on this blog, no matter how many entries.  There will be a top five for each one hundred entries

MY FIRST PROJECT AS AN ECLECTIC

Instructions for this project can be found here

Stationery/Tag Holder and Notebook Set
The Image is a Freebie from Through The Craft Room Door Magazine

This holder is designed to reside on a desk, but can be carried in a purse

I usually include 4 Stationery Sheets, 3 Tags, and 2 Note Cards.  The contents are determined by the size of the envelopes I use to create the holder.  I also send the recipients additional stationery and notecards throughout the year.  Sometimes, I will place the holder and additional stationery in an altered  gift box.

These wonderful little composition books come three to a pack at Dollar Tree!

This project has been entered into the following challenges:

Cupcake Inspirations
Lady Anne's Card Designs

Challenges 4 Everybody - Anything Goes!

 

Stationery Holders

IMAGE BY THE STAMPING BOUTIQUE

Hello, Cardies!  It has been a while since I posted anything, but all the holidays are over now, so I should be able to post now on a regular basis.

 This stationery folder is one of two that I created for the challenge over at The Crafter's Cafe Challenge Blog.  

Generally, I use the square flap envelopes, but I thought the diamond shape at the center fold made for an interesting focal.  The envelopes used in this project are 6-1/2" by 4-3/4".  The Cardstock is cut to 6-3/4" x 10" and scored at 5".

Stationery has alway been my first, true crafting love and it has been a while since I made any!  However, I am inspired to create a variety of holders/folders to give to my grandson's teachers during their X-mas celebration.

You can see how I made this project HERE

Have a fabulous day!  Thanks for stopping by!
Hugz,
Chana

GONE!

IMAGE BY GUYLOU'S INIMITABILITY

When Guylou sent this image to the DTs, I remembered how I used to sit outside my house waiting on the taxi to take me to the Airport or Train Station.  My family couldn't understand why I didn't want to wait in the house.  Now, in retrospect, I think that trips didn't seem real to me until I was "out of the house."  It always seemed as if things always happened while you were still in the house...usually things that stamped cancelled all over your plans!!  People don't dress up to travel anymore!  Pity

Challenge Deadline:

You have until 10:00 pm on October 18th to link your project.  Please make sure your project matches the requirements before you link it.

How to participate:

You can enter only ONE project per challenge, but if you use a Guylou's Inimitability digistamp, your project will count for two entries. If you don't have one of her digistamps and your budget is tight; please check her online store where several freebies are available.

Prize:

A winner will be selected randomly and will win:
1. A $10.00 gift certificate from Guylou's online store
2. and the winner will also be invited to be a Guest Designer on one of our challenges in the Fall.


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BLOG CANDY

I have blog candy!  Well, actually, I don't celebrate Halloween and I have no use for these items, if you want them just ask.  I will run the random generator to find a winner.

Contents:

8 Inkadinkadoo Clear Mini Stamps
1 Package of K&Company Halloween 3D Stickers (9 Stickers)
1 Unity Stamp Company "Happy Halloween" Itty bitty Stamp Set (2 stamps)
1 Inkadinkadoo Clear Stamp Set (8 Stamps)

CONGRATULATIONS, VICKY F.!  THE RANDOM GENERATOR SAYS YOU SHOULD GET THE BLOG CANDY!

Hugz,
Chana

The Pink Cigar Box

Hello Cardies!
I have two projects to share with you today! The first is a cigar box that I altered to give as a gift to my Sister. My sister is 92 and lives in Las Vegas. I wanted her to have a box she could use to store the cards I send her.
I love to order cigar boxes. Some of them are so pretty they really don't need much done to the outside. For this box, I decided to leave the outside alone. I only added the flower and sentiment on top. The construction on this isn't everything I wanted it to be, but I was rushing to get birthday cards to her.  Hope you like!

For some reason my pearls photographed beige, but they are actually
white.  I was surprise at how well this tured out!

This one of the Birthday Cards.  This was for my sister's BIL who turned 87 Sunday!