Wednesday, June 25, 2025

PLAYING WITH STENCILS - A SIMPLE TAG!

Hello, Crafty Creators!

I had so much fun creating this little tag. I was reviewing a set of diamond/harlequin stencils and wanted to make a quick project video to accompany the review.  I was unsure of where I was going with this, but I am pleased with the results!


I actually used two promotional items on this project. The tag cards come in a box of 100. They are the perfect size for tags, ATCs, and other small projects!

The floral focal was created using pearl-tipped flower stems and a leaf and button in my stash.

I used my diamond/harlequin stencils to create the background. I was afraid that blending the Worn Lipstick, Seedless Preserves, and Lost Shadow would result in a muddy background, but, to my surprise, they blended beautifully!




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Challenges Entered:

THINKING OF YOU - GENERAL GREETING CARD!

 Hello, Crafty Creators!

I keep my desk covered with newsprint. It is cheaper and more convenient, so I can test my markers, dab my blending brushes, and accomplish many other tasks that once required copier paper or paper towels.   

Last week, while recording one of my Amazon Favorites videos, I reviewed a diamond and checkerboard stencil set. My original plan was to stencil a few shapes on my newsprint. But, as often happens in crafting, I couldn't stop there. I liked my design so well that I used it to create a card. Newsprint is a 22 - 24lb paper, so I glued it to 60lb cardstock and trimmed it down!

This project also allowed me to use one of my old Martha Stewart punches. I had forgotten that these punched borders can be so pretty!


I used my MS punch to decorate the top of my note panel inside.
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Challenges Entered:


Wednesday, June 4, 2025

A PLACE TO START - RECYCLE - BROWN PAPER CARNATION

 Hello, Crafty Makers!

This is my second project for A Place to Start!  

I created a carnation using brown shipping paper! I have a ton of this stuff. It helps me craft, and it is helpful in our compost! Twelve years ago, I started making these little carnations when flower dies were not as ubiquitous. I still prefer them to die-cut flowers with white borders.


Now that I have decided to get back to the basics of card making, I am revisiting basic techniques that don't require purchasing anything.  Metal dies were already way too expensive for my taste, and with the tariffs on aluminum and other metals reinstated, I can only imagine.

BROWN PAPER CARNATION

My favorite part of creating the mixed-media background for these flowers is incorporating colors from the other design elements on the project. I also enjoy creating unexpected textures.

My Favorite skin care product is packaged in these cute containers.  I am repurposing this one to give my daughter a couple of small bottles of Essential Oils to use on her Wool Dryer Balls.




Brown Paper Flowers Tutorial


Thanks For Stopping By!
Hugz,
Chana Malkah

Monday, June 2, 2025

A PLACE TO START - JUNE 2025 - ANYTHING GOES w/Optional Twist: RECYCLE

 Hello, Crafty People!

It feels good to be back at my craft table! 
Welcome to another month of fun at 

A Place to Start!

In addition to your fabulous ATG projects this month, we would love to see projects that incorporate or feature UPCYCLED OR RECYCLED items. (For example: recycle embellishments that you pulled off a failed project.) Put your own spin on it and amaze us.  You always do!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY - APTS JUNE 2025
ANYTHING GOES PROJECT

I recently realized that I spend too much time trying to create "unique" projects. I am returning to the basic cardmaking that has always brought me joy!

This simple, straightforward birthday card was created for my daughter.    She is a minimalist of the first water, so I am sure she will like it.


I created my focal point using a very simple floral die set. The sentiment is also from a very basic set. Both were promotional items from Amazon.  I have little faith in the tariff fiasco in D.C., so I am holding on to my pennies.  I do without if I can't find what I want in my Amazon box.  So far, I have been fortunate, and my crafting supply bins are well-stocked.  The Swiss Dot EF has been in my stash for years.  I decided to use the debossed side.  I liked the effect.














Distress Oxide Inks



                  




 










































Thanks for stopping by!
Hugz, 
Chana Malkah

Thursday, March 13, 2025

i I LOVE THE BLACKOUT ART TECHNIQUE! - ENJOY THE MOMENT

BS"D


Hello, Crafty Makers!

I made another card using the "Blackout" technique. I am delighted with the result! Blackout art is a great way to reduce my stash of pattern paper. I have a vast collection of 6"x 6" paper pads, and I sorely want to use them rather than toss them.  

I am learning a new image format, which requires more photo editing than I usually do.

I tried adjusting the light to no avail.  In real life, the card has a strong visual appeal!

I kept the embellishments to a minimum.  I wanted the brightly colored crystals to mimic a lighted path in the garden.
I haven't used this punch in over fifteen years!  It works well here as my garden fence!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Hugz,
Chana Malka

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

WHAT'S ON YOUR WORKDESK WEDNESDAY #823

 BS"D

Hello, Crafty Peeps!

Welcome to this week's What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday Blog Hop! Each week, we visit our sister WOYWWers and peek into their crafty spaces! Along the way, we learn new things and get to know each other better. It is a fun hop, and we would love you to join us. Click the link above to navigate to Sarah's Craft Shed!
I have had a week in two days, so this post is a video and a few pictures. I reviewed some cute summer sandals. I can't wait until it's warm enough to wear them!
The only thing better than a pair of pretty (and comfortable shoes) is a haul of crafting supplies!
Die Storage System, Moissanite Diamond Ring and Earrings, Opal Earrings, Adhesive Remover, Gouache Paint, and Stamps!  That pink ball is a mini vortex paint mixer!
Car Air Fresheners (behind the Gouache), Divided Vegetable Dish, and Marble Etch Remover.

Mixed-Media Stamps

Pearlescent and Index Card Stock

T-Shirts, Leggings, and A Blouse
Spray Bottles and Funnel
Cooling Blanket and Table Top Easel
Fabric Glue and Instant Glue
Thanks for stopping by!
Be Well,
Hugz,
Chana Malkah

Thursday, March 6, 2025

HAPPY BIRTHDAY - MIXED MEDIA CARD - NBUS

BS"D 

Hello, Crafty Mates!

NBUS: Image Stamp, Happy Birthday Die, Background Stamps.  

I am on another "No Buy" self-challenge, forcing me to use all the stuff in my stash that hasn't been touched since it was delivered to my mailbox! Of course, this isn't as dire as it sounds because I get five to ten promotional items a week, so it's not like I am suffering!😀 But I am saving money, and that is the real point. 

This card was created for a client who saw my mixed-media butterfly card on FB.
She asked if I could make a birthday card with a mixed-media background and the same color palette.




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Challenges Entered:
Never Been Used Schtuff


Links To Stuff I Used:

















Distress Inks:
Thanks for stopping by!
Hugz,
Chana Malkah



Wednesday, March 5, 2025

WHAT'S ON YOUR WORKDESK WEDNESDAY#822 - THE HUBSTER CAME THROUGH!

 BS"D
Hello, Crafty Mates!
It's time for another WOYWW blog hop!  If you want to join us and share your desk and crafty week, hop over to Sarah's Craft Shed.  We will all meet you there!

The Hubster is the absolute best! While reorganizing my studio, I mentioned that the new storage bins for my stamp and dies crowded my layout workstation. I said I considered ordering shelves but realized they would be difficult to reach. Sunday, he dismantled a desk in his workshop (we had planned to donate it) and used the wood to create this neat bookcase to hold my bins. I was so surprised when he entered my studio with my new Bin Holder! He also fixed my table. It is still slightly warped but nowhere near as much as before he bolted everything down.  


BEFORE

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BLACKOUT ART CONTINUED!
I continue playing with the Blackout Art Technique. I used one of my EF to emboss this floral paper in my "throw-away" bin. These are the elements (at the moment) that I plan to use in my project.
The colors here are off just a bit. The ribbon is sort of an olive-green
 that perfectly matches the green in the paper. I plan to finish this tomorrow, but I am working on our income taxes. I must hurry and file while the IRS and the country still exist.

This is the card I created using the blackout panel from last week!
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Also on my desk are three sets of pastel oil painting sticks.   Next to it is another mixed-media card that I completed tonight. 

I look forward to visiting all my WOYWWers!
Thanks for stopping by!
Hugz,
Chana Malkah

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

IT'S ALL PERSPECTIVE: MIXED MEDIA STENCILS AND STAMPING - NBUS

BD"D
Hello, Crafty Mates!

I had to review a set of mixed-media stencils.  I always like to create projects with the products I review, so I decided not to treat these stencils differently!  I had no plan. I pulled a bunch of stamps and inks and went to the races!

NBUS: I used so many products that I had never before used.  As a matter of fact, the only stamp on this card that I used in the past was the "eye" stamp.  The background stencils had never been used.  They were the subject of my product review.
More stamping than I usually do on the inside of my cards!  These stamps had not been used!  I have had them for years!
I added Glossy Accents to the eye!  Such a cool effect!
I love these stencils!  There are eighteen in the pack for under $15.00.   I also own a set of floral mixed-media stencils from this company.  The quality is good, and the variety of designs is fantastic!
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Thanks For Stopping By!
Hugz,
Chana Malkah

Links to Stuff I Used:











Challenges Entered:
Never Been Used Schtuff