Shopping Our Stash #516 - It's Not Easy Being Green!

 Hello, Crafty Makers!

Time flies and it doesn't much care whether you are having fun or not!  Fortunately for paper crafters, we are always having fun!  Two weeks have flown by and it is now time for another fortnight challenge at Shopping Our Stash!

Theme:  It's Not Easy Being Green

Create a "Mostly Green" Project!

Paper Piecing and Bokeh Tag!

The paper-pieced dress is a deep Hunter Green and translates as black to my camera, I guess.  I had so much fun creating this tag!  As usual, I was reviewing a 6"x6" DSP paper that is being marketed on Amazon for St. Patrick's Day!  I always try to submit videos with my reviews and I like to include a completed project.  This did not take very long.

Stash items: tag, brad, ribbon, prima doll stamp, distress inks!

The sentiment posed the biggest issue!  I finally settled on die-cutting the sentiment from a scrap piece of library card paper which I then colored with Bundled Sage and Vintage Photo Distress Oxide Inks.

I have had these Prima Doll Tags in my stash for many years.  I purchased them when the Prima Dolls were first released.  The brad and ribbon are also both around 12 years old!.  Before I began layering on my Bokeh circles, I applied light layers of "Bundled Sage, Vintage Photo, and Peeled Paint " Distress Inks to the tag.  I wanted to mute the beige cardstock so that my green bokeh would be highlighted!

The green in her dress, and shoes, is more evident here!  I decided I wanted to add a sub-sentiment and this Bokeh circle was the perfect location!  The DSP has a glossy finish which adds interest to the project!

My teammates have created super green projects for this challenge!  We look forward to seeing what you create!  Remember, tell us what stash items you are using!

Thanks for Stopping By!

Hugz,

Chana Malkah

Reflection on Freedom!

 Hello, Crafty Friends!

One of my New Year's resolutions was to rid myself of anything or anyone that made me feel less free!   I stopped feeling "obligated" to do what was "expected."  Now I enjoy a kind of freedom I can't explain.

I don't have to give 110 percent, go the extra mile, or keep a stiff upper lip.  What is the point of "suffering in silence" when a single word might bring relief?  Why should I look for the best in others when those "others" are not interested in looking for the best in themselves. I Prefer to spend my time celebrating the people among us who don't require a "deep dive" to find their empathy, honesty, or humanity!

Recently, I was working on a product review.  It was just a stamp and die set from a company marketing its craft products on Amazon.  I didn't spend a lot of time on the image, I used two or three colors and that was it, but for some odd reason, this card became a reflection of the energy I have in my life right now.  I feel so exhilarated and so very, very free!

Reflection on Freedom!

Threetols Girls Stamp and Die Set

Review Video

Hugz,

Chana Malkah

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday #768

 Hello, Crafty Mates!

Welcome back to another WOYWW "Friendly" Blog Hop!  It is just delightful to visit other crafters' blogs to see and chat with them about current projects, and classes they are taking. This is a fun group of talented crafters!   Visit Julia's Blog (Stamping Ground) and learn how to join us!

My desk is pretty static today!  I am sorting through products that I need to review to get caught up and because I am trying to declutter my studio.  I cannot think when I am surrounded by "stuff!"  I did complete some projects and I will share those!

This is a cute locking diary!  After it is reviewed, I will gift it to my granddaughter.  Underneath the journal and to the right of it, are other small products that need to be reviewed.  I have tomorrow blocked off and plan to put my head down and get this done!

I am looking forward to using these alcohol inks!  The colors are all neutral. If I can give them a positive review, I will order some of their colors.  They would be a nice alternative to Tim Holtz!  There is also some paper for St. Pat's Day (I'd better get on that) and stamp sets.  The Panda stamps have the accompanying dies!

I am posting two cards on my blog today!  The Birthday Card for the 90-year-old and the sample that I prepared using one of my promotional products.  They were on my last WOYWW post, but not the finished projects!

The gold embossing does not show in this photo.

but it shows a bit better in this one.

Life

I love this card! This is how I feel about my life right now!  I am ready to embrace whatever comes next!

~~~~~~

Those of us who live in Atlanta, Georgia were blessed to know so many civil rights giants!  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was one and Dr. Benjamin E. Mays was another. This poem, by Dr. Mays, is a community favorite!

I Only Have A Minute

                                                                  by Dr. Benjamin E. Mays

I have only just a minute

Only sixty seconds in it.

Forced upon me, can't refuse it. 

 Didn't seek it, didn't choose it.

But it's up to me to use it. 

I must suffer if I lose it.  

Give account if I abuse it.

Just a tiny little minute, but eternity is in it!

~~~~~~~~~

Peace, Out!

Hugz,

Chana Malkah

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday - WOYWW #767

 Hello, Fellow Creatives!

It is time for another fabulous WOYWW Hop!  These weekly visits are so inspirational.  I have a notebook full of projects and techniques I want to try.   If you are curious about Julia's fun hop, visit

  Julia's Blog (Stamping Ground.)  

I am currently working on a 90th Birthday Card!  This is a commissioned project, so every element must be perfect.  On my desk tonight (Tuesday) is my first practice card!  I am using an embossing stylus to create white flowers on vellum.

The vellum paper has been embossed with gold embossing powder.  To create the white flowers, the image is embossed from the reverse side using a ball-tipped stylus!

I wish the gold glitter showed up better, but these photos were taken inside my video editing program, so they are not the best!

I am still undecided about the card base but have settled on the sentiment.  Wednesday night is my deadline to complete this card.  I also have to make the envelope!

During the week, I completed two cards for my blog.  One is posted; the other I cannot show until I post it!  But here is my ballerina!

I have been playing around with my new promotional toy that arrived yesterday.  It is convenient to not have to use my large treadmill. This walking mat, as they are sometimes called, fits perfectly under the bed!  Now, the Hubster and I don't have to take turns.

 

Well, that is me for this week!  Next week I hope to be able to share projects I created using some promotional stamps and dies!

Be well, stay safe, and crack on!

Hugz,

Chana Malkah

~~~~

I am trying to find the name of the author of this poem.  Given the state of things here in America these days, I often think of this poem.

The Hypocrite

She spoke of heaven and the angelic host,

She spoke of G-d and the Holy Ghost.

She spoke of Christ's teachings,

Of man's brotherhood,

But when asked to sit next to a Negro once,

She stood!

SHOPPING OUR STASH #515 -Put Your Best Face Forward

 Hello, Happy Creatives!

Here's hoping that everyone had more roses than thorns this week in crafting and in life!

I like the challenge theme this fortnight at Shopping Our Stash!

"Put Your Best Face Forward"

Please include a human face in your project!

I actually ended up creating two cards for this challenge!  In the first project, you cannot see the face, so...  But, about three months ago, I die-cut and colored this little ballerina.  I was really just testing the die.  I purchased it online at Temu about 8 months ago but never used it.  I had her taped to the iPad on my craft table.  I just knew the opportunity to use her would eventually present itself.  There is an entire story to this.  Watch my YouTube video! :D)

One Step At A Time

~~~~~~~~~~

They are a little difficult to see, but I stamped musical scales onto the green DSP.  The DSP is about five years old.  I got it at Michaels  It is Core' dinations'  "Light Green Crosshatch."  IRL, The design in the paper mixed with the musical scales has a very nice visual impact.  

The circle layer just below the image has been in my stash for over a year.  I had some teardrop ink pads that were drying up and I decided that I would just stamp on a piece of scrap paper there was no rhyme or reason to my stamping, but the end result was stunning.  I punched various shapes to be used in future projects.

I always keep the inside of my cards simple.  I know people like to write notes on them.

THIS IS A TRUE STORY

I went to the SOS DT Blog to check on the next challenge!  My mouth just dropped!  This card is perfect for two of the upcoming challenges.  Oh, well, I will think of something between now and when those projects are due!

We Look forward to seeing your "Best Face" cards!

SHOPPING OUR STASH CHALLENGE LINK

Hugz,

Chana Malkah!

Stuff I used From My Stash:

Ballerina Die and Stamp Set

Alinacutle Teardrop Border Dies

Coordinations Light Green Crosshatch Paper

WRMK - Next Level 3D Embossing Folder - "Dotted"  (RETIRED)

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday #766

 Hello, Fellow Creatives!

It is time for another WOYWW weekly blog hop!  Every week, we drop in on one another to encourage, take notes, and share tips, as well as our roses and sometimes our thorns!  If you want to know more about it and how to join in, HOP on over to Julia's Blog (Stamping Ground.)  Everything you need to know is there!

~~~~~~~~~

I have had a super busy week.  I have about twenty products still left to review and fifteen more will be arriving in the next two days.    I did manage to complete eight product videos.  They were all approved and posted.  Whew!

I commented on over one hundred entries at my challenge blog, and created my own card for the challenge!

I completed the video for this card and posted it to my YouTube Channel

Finally, last night I was able to work on adding the ephemera pieces to my rebound "Bittersweet" book of poems and short stories!

I used Vintage Photo Distress Ink to distress the edges of the cover and the spine.  I also added a page marker and a mini Tim Holtz clipboard clasp!  I am unsure if I will add the name to the cover.  I rather like it just like this.

Neet suggested that I could make a box for this!  I thought that was an excellent suggestion.  I have a book box template that I used in the past.  I am going to dig it out!  Thanks, Neet!

The Hubster said the cover suggests that the book inside is a Victorian Romance novel!  Like I asked him! 😄

Inside Front Cover

Inside Back Cover

Thanks for stopping by!  Looking forward to seeing everyone's desk tomorrow! 

Thought I would share another poem from the book!

Amalgam

by Geoffrey Williams (1959)

A milk-white cat without a care

Reclines within the great green chair.

Against the green her softest white

Brings, when seen,  such pure delight,

That people choose another chair,

And gladly watch her sleeping there.

Hugz,

Chana Malkah

A PLACE TO START - FEBRUARY 2024 - MONOCHRONE

 Hello, Wonderful Creatives!

We have a wonderful theme over at A Place to Start!

MONOCHROME - CHOOSE YOUR PALETTE

Yes, it is time to whip out the old color wheel and decide which family of colors you want to work with.  This is a great way to get out of a color rut or to simply try something new!

I originally wanted to use colors in the Pink Family but that was too much on the nose for February, so I opted for Purple!  I also wanted to do a bit of Bokeh, so I used my self-made circle stencils and cut stencils from my Alterations Movers and Shapers Mini Hearts Die.   My M/S magnetic tray was looking a bit ratty, so I had to order the M/S Shuttle from Amazon.  I was just in time since the tray has been discontinued and now the Shuttle is on the way out.  I probably should have ordered two.  I have quite a few M/S dies and I like them!

I started my background by blending Villainous Potion, Shaded Lilac, and Wilted Violet Distress Oxide Inks.  I stamped over this with one of my text stamps using Villainous Potion.  The text is one of those buried layers that doesn't translate well in a photo but shows up as shadows kinda in real life.  I wanted to add some light to my dark background, so I used my Artist Fan Brush to add water droplets.  This allowed me to keep the monochromatic color scheme intact. 

I used the same three distress inks to create my Bokeh effect, but I colored in some of my hearts with Pan Pastels Violet. 

I wanted to push the background out a bit from the paper, so I used my Ohuhu Fine Tip Marker to make a dark purple line around the edges.

I cut the shadow of my You Are Loved Die twice. Once from adhesive-backed craft foam and once from regular cardstock.  I colored the cardstock die-cut with Shaded Lilac and edged it with the Pan Pastels Violet!

I would LOVE to see your Monochromatic creations in our challenge this month!  You can enter up to 8 times! 

A PLACE TO START

Hugz,

Chana Malkah

Stuff I Used:

Tim Holtz - Mini Hearts Set - Movers and Shapers Die

Villainous Potion, Shaded Lilac, Wilted Violet, Pan Pastels Violet. 

Ohuhu Fine Tip Marker

M/S Shuttle 

Artist Fan Brush