A PLACE TO START SEPEMBER - LEAVES AND CIRCLES #2

 Hello, Crafty Peeps!

I decided to create a second card for the challenge this month at A Place to Start!  I saw a project by Brigit that I thought was a fabulous design for Leaves and Circles.

I followed the cardinal rule of CASE and changed at least three things about the design.  

I used a chocolate card base, added leaf stenciling on my white layer, and used a tree instead of individual leaves.  Distress Oxides used were: Tea Dye, Vintage Photo, Walnut Stain, Hickory Smoke, and Lost Shadow.

I also stenciled a leaf pattern on the focal, and I changed the sentiment!  Autumn was supposed to be centered on the tree.  Somehow, that didn't happen!😊I added a few crystals, which worked out nicely! The foiling around the image was created using Martcolor Metallic Gel Pens.

Stuff I Used:

Coffee Colored Cardstock

White Cardstock

Abstract Stencil (leaves)

Martcolor 3 Colors Gel Pens

A PLACE TO START - LEAVES AND CIRCLES

 Hello, Crafty Mates

I hope this is a fun challenge for our players.  I look forward to seeing how the players combine/blend/mash-up Circles and Leaves.

My stenciled leaves got covered, but there are leaves behind my pearl stems.  I used one of my favorite background stamps and my abstract circle stencil.

Challenge Dates: September 1, 2025 - October 3, 2025

A PLACE TO START SEPTEMBER CHALLENGE

ANYTHING GOES w/OPTIONAL TWIST

Optional Twist: Leaves and Circles

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:

Try It On Tuesday - Add Some Text

Crazy Is Our Fame - Stencils

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:

Addicted to Stamps and More

Crazy Is Our Fame-Stencils

Try It On Tuesday - Add Some Text

STUFF I USED:

"Generic 12-piece Stencil Set

Materials:

"Generic" 12 Piece 6" x 6" Mylar Stencil Set: 

"Generic" 4 Piece Assorted Mylar Stencil  Set

PandaHall Clear Acrylic Face Stamps

Emotional Sentiment Stamp and Die Set (this link is to TEMU)

(no longer available on Amazon)

The Crafter's Workshop 9-piece 6"x6" Stencils

Self-adhesive Rhinestone Crystals 

FIND Mini Die Cutter

Heat Gun

Newsprint Drawing Paper (sheets)

Drawing Paper Roll

8"x8" 65lb White Cardstock (100 sheets)

HFKPJRT 110 Pcs, 4 x 6 Inch White Foam Sheets, 2mm Thick

Distress Oxide Inks:

Worn Lipstick

Tumbled Glass

Lost Shadow

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

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.

Small Flowers Cutting Dies_Economical

Distress Oxide Inks

Villainous Potion

                  

 

Lost Shadow

Hickory Smoke

Swiss Dot Embossing Folder

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugz, 

Chana Malkah

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

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

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.

Follow Me On YouTube

Challenges Entered:

Never Been Used Schtuff

Links To Stuff I Used:

Prudiut Handmade Watercolor Paper

Happy Birthday Die

Distress Inks:

Broken China

Tumbled Glass

Salvaged Patina

Rusty Hinge

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugz,

Chana Malkah