A PLACE TO START - 202607 - ANYTHING GOES W/Optional Twist : BLACK AND WHITE

Hello, Crafty Makers!

A Place to Start

Challenge Dates: July 6, 2026  -July 31, 2026

Anything Goes w/Optional Twist: 

 BLACK AND WHITE THEME

Last month, one of the promotional items that showed up in my Amazon Vine box was this wonderful die bundle. The bundle included the circle frame dies (3) and the butterfly dies (4). I needed to complete my review of the dies and my project for the July challenge. This was a wonderful opportunity to kill two birds with one stone!

My top layer was boring, so I used my WRMK 3D Woven embossing folders to add texture to my white paper. I cut a piece of craft foam and attached it to the back of my Large focal circle to create dimension. I also added two small black pearls to create balance on my focal.

I forgot to use my diffuser while embossing, so I ended up cutting out a second circle for my sentiment.

I trimmed 1/16" from the edges of my white layer to have the black border showing. I did not like the full white layer.

I used a black Sharpie to create the faux border around my stamped layer. I think it makes the focal more visually interesting.

ZECNG 2pc Die Bundle

Sentiment Stamps

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Please visit and follow me on my Amazon Store For  A Look at some of My Favorite Craft Supplies.
Coffee, Crafts, and Life

Thanks for stopping by!

Chana Malkah

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Challenges Entered:

A Cut Above - Always ATG-  at least one die cut(no prefabs).✅

Pammie's Inky Pinkies - Always ATG

A Perfect Time To Craft - Always ATG

Crafter's Cafe  - ATG w/Optional Twist: Blooms(I am playing ATG)
Crafting From The Art: Always ATG
Girlz Rebel: Challenge #53-Butterflies✅

Heart Quest Celebrations - My celebration is Birthdays

The Creative Crafters: Always ATG✅
Triple B Challenge: Birds, Blooms, Butterflies✅

A PLACE TO START #202606 - ANYTHING BUT A CARD: ORiGAMI GIFT BAG

 Hello, Crafty Makers!

We have reached mid-month over at 

A Place to Start!

This second project for the optional theme: 

Anything But A Card!

~ ~ ~ ~

My daughter's birthday was June 2nd, and I wanted to give her a cute little bracelet that I received as a promotional item from Amazon. Over the years, we have formed a habit of giving each other "token" gifts that don't cost a lot, but express the joy we both feel in our adult friendship. I am loving this phase of my relationship with my "Baby Girl!"

Of course, the bracelet needed a gift bag

.

I was so pleased with how this project turned out that I decided to use the same style Origami gift bag for the gifts I'm giving my infusion nurses on my visit this month.

Although this style gift bag is designed to be made using gift wrap paper, I decided to use cardstock for two reasons: I need a sturdy box for the candy and wooden puzzles I am giving the nurses, and I need to get rid of some of my cardstock!

What I love most about this gift box is that it only requires one sheet of 12" x 12" paper. Actually, the paper only needs to be square. You can make your box any size you like. There is no cutting and, depending on how you close your bag, no gluing.

This is the "true" shape of the box. 

I decided not to use a center closer. I needed more room!

One of my nurses is male, so I am rummaging through my stash to find paper that is more appropriate for him. I know I have some Double-sided Tim Holtz cardstock hidden in my stash that has a very masculine theme, and it is on Kraft card, which is ideal!

Stuff I Used:

Cardstock: (Stash) -Heidi Grace (retired)

Ribbon: (Stash) - Really Reasonable Ribbon (Closed)

Brads: (Stash) - Basic Grey (Closed)

We Would Love To Have You Join Us!

HUGZ!

Chana Malkah

A PLACE TO START #202606 - ANYTHING GOES w/OPTIONAL TWIST: ANYTHING BUT A CARD

 

Hello, Crafty Peeps!

Cass, our DT Coordinator at A Place to Start, thinks an Optional Theme of "Anything But A Card" invites lots of creative energy to this month's challenge. I agree.

The Timmons Tag

I created this tag to attach to a gift for my Primary Care Physician. Dr. Timmons has a very calming demeanor. But what I love most about her is that she does not talk to her "senior" patients as though they are senile, demented, and possess the intellect of a two-year-old. I chose these soft colors because they mirror her bedside manner.

I love creating with the Gusto paper drinking straws! I have found several projects that I plan to create over the next few months. I used Tea Dye and Gathered Twigs Distress Inks to tone down the straw's bright pink and white colors. 

The icceemee Vintage Manuscript Papers

These papers are ideal for tags. I applied Mod Podge to the blank tag. Allowed it to dry, and then applied the paper using my heat press.  If you do not have a heat press, a small iron works just as well.

I normally use thinner ribbon on my tags, but I am trying to use more of my ribbon stash. I love the wider ribbon. I added the twine, and I think it works well!

The Timmons Tag Tutorial

The Tools and Supplies used are available in my Amazon Store, "Coffee, Crafts, & Life."

DIY Tools and Supplies

Other items used

Tim Holtz Sizzix Framelit 8 pcs Tag Dies 

WRMK Glue Squeeze 

Challenges Entered:

A Perfect Time to Craft - Anything Goes

Tag Along and ATCs (List products used - required))✔

Ally's Angels - Anything Goes

A Cut Above - Anything Goes (must include die cut) ✔

Make My Monday - Add Texture

The Neglected Stuff Challenge- ✔

    (Ribbon, Twine, Manilla & Kraft Cardstock (for Tag), Mod Podge)

Pammie's Inky Pinkies - Anything Goes

Cards 4 Galz-Browns and Greens w/Ribbon and Twine

Classic Design Challenge Blog - Anything Goes (Opt: Anniversary/Birthday)

Thanks so much for visiting!

I hope you will join us at 

A PLACE TO START

Hugz,

Chana Malkah

A PLACE TO START - LAVENDER DIAGONAL CROSSOVER CARD

Hello, Crafty Makers!

I learned a new card design last week. It is not new, but it is new to me, and I love it. I have so many ideas floating around in my head. This is a versatile and super-easy base! 

Created For: A Place to Start - Fancy Folds

The beauty of this card base is that it only requires:

One sheet (8-1/2" x 11")

Two Scorelines

4-1/4" on the short side
5-1/2" on the long side

Three Cuts

The Sentiment Stamp is Unbranded.

 It is one of my favorites! (Click )

The Iccceemee Retro Manuscript Papers are available 

In my Amazon Store: Coffee, Crafts, & Life

This pre-cut floral is no longer available, but there are numerous metal dies in this design.

The Floral dies and Embossing Folder 

 available in my Amazon Store.

Challenges Entered:

Creative Inspirations - Anything Goes 

Craft Rocket Challenge - Not Square

Ellibelle's Corner - Anything From A Garden #315 ✔

Crafty Cats #714 - Anything Goes

Allsorts Challenge #850 - Anything Goes✔

Creative Creases May 2026 Challenge✔

Polkadoodles Challenge Week 4 - Anything Goes✔

Sweet Stamping - Flowers (must include stamping

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Stuff I Used

Many of the supplies used in this project are available in my Amazon Store: Coffee, Crafts, & Life. (Crafty Projects)

These links are for objects that are not in my store.

WRMK - Glue Squeeze

Sentiment Stamp

Ribbon - Really Reasonable Ribbon (closed)

Thanks for Stopping By!

Hugz,

Chana Malkah

A PLACE TO START #202405 -ANYTHING GOES w/Optional Twist: FANCY FOLD

 Hello, Crafty Peoples!

I love fancy fold challenges! They generally give me an opportunity to work on my math skills!😄

Please join us at A Place to Start 

Share your latest "Twisted" creation.

This is my first "Zig Zag" Card. There are lots of variations of this type of card base, but as a novice, I figured my best bet was sticking to the basic fold.

I was inspired by a project I saw on Pinterest. That project is gorgeous, with loads of flowers and leaves on the front panel. I was in a time crunch, and also, when I CASE a project, I try to honor the rule of changing at least three things. 

•  I used a decorative die cut rather than an actual circle die cut on my back panel.
• I did not use a second circle die on my back panel.
• I decided to use two large flowers with a couple of leaves.
• I used totally different colors.

This card design is a gold mine for those maximalists who enjoy decorating every inch of their card real estate. It also serves those of us who are more minimalist in our design POV, as color and shape can create interest without embellishments.

I made one mistake that actually caused me to post my project late (we will not discuss waiting until the last possible moment to start my project. We will not discuss it!). Anymahoo, I used a super-smooth Lux paper and tried to stamp on it with Archival ink. Well, it smeared like crazy. As soon as I took the picture, I removed the sentiment using 99% Isopropyl Alcohol. I need to match the paper color and add the sentment back as a separate piece.

You can find this wonderful Sunflower Stamp and Die Set in

My Amazon Store

Coffee, Crafts, & Life.

Thanks for Stopping By!

Hugz!

Chana Malkah

A Place to Start

613 Avenue Create

Challenges Entered:

A Cut Above - Anything Goes 
Pammie's Inky Pinkies -Anything Goes
Path of Positivity - Anything Goes
Stamp and Fun - Use Dies
613 Avenue Create - Anything Goes
Dragonfly Dreams - Use Die Cuts

Lil' Patch of Crafty Friends - Anything Goes

Allsorts Challenge -Anything But a Square/ Anything Goes

Polkadoodles Cardmaking Challenge - Anything Goes

Crafty Catz - Anything Goes
Creative Creases May 2026 Challenge

A PLACE TO START - #202604 -ATG W/OPTIONAL TWIST: OMBRE

 Hello, Crafty Mates!

I hope you will join our April Challenge at

A Place To Start

Anything Goes w/Optional Twist: OIMBRE

My photography fails me often; this time is no exception.  Trust me, the project does satisfy the challenge.

This is a better shot.

There is nothing in life that I want more right now than peace.

Thanks for stopping by!

Be Well!

Chana Malkah

A PLACE TO START - MARCH CHALLENGE - ANYTHING GOES w/Optional Twist: NO SQUARES

 Hello, Crafty Makers!

This is my second card for our March Challenge.  We are asking our players to refrain from using squares "anywhere" on their cards.  I considered creating a rectangular card, but finally settled on this Circle design.

I look forward to seeing your creations at:

A PLACE TO START

Remember:

 NO SQUARE CARDS (4X4, 5X5, 6X6, ETC.)

NO SQUARE LAYERS ON THE CARDS 

NO SQUARE CUT OUTS, NO SQUARE WINDOWS

NO SQUARE SENTIMENT BANNERS

Hugz,

Chana

CHALLENGES ENTERED:

A Cut Above (Anything Goes w/Die Cut)

Neglected Stuff Challenge:  My stuff: Patterned paper (5yrs old), Chocolate Card (2 yrs old), Crystals (1 yr old).

Pammie's Inky Pinkies: Anything Goes

Path of Positivity: Anything Goes w/Option Use 3 Gems

Cupcake Inspiration: Love Is In The Air

Dragonfly Dreams: Something with Butterflies

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends: Anything Goes

A PLACE TO START - FEBRUARY CHALLENGE - "IN THE MIDST OF CHAOS!"

Good Morning, Crafty Creators!

The monthly challenge at A Place To Start starts today, and our Optional Theme is: NO SQUARES!

The challenge dates are March 2 - April 3, 2026

In The Midst of Chaos, I Still Have Hope

The world is on fire, and each day it becomes increasingly more difficult to believe that good will triumph over evil. It occurred to me that art journaling might be the best way to channel my thoughts and reinforce my prayers.

There is a lot of symbolism in this page. The number "26" reflects my desire to see both Houses of the U.S. Congress flipped in November. I also desire to see the end of the current administration in 2028 and the beginning of healing worldwide. The number 44 represents the presidency of Barack Obama and the Hope he represents, even as a "regular" citizen. Butterflies represent freedom, and the Beetle is a reminder that we will never eradicate evil from the world, but we do not have to empower it! 

I am the first to admit that journal pages are not exactly my forte! I am currently working on 100 Days of Layering. These pages are my work for days one and two. I am sure I will get better. I may add a few more stencils to this page, but for now, I am moving on.

I plan to add more layers to this page, but I have started a new page, and my first layer is Gesso. 

Thanks so much for dropping by!  

Happy Crafting!

From my lips to G-d's Ears...Peace!

Challenges Entered:

Simon Says Monday Challenge: Make Your Own Background

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends: Anything Goes

We Love To Create: Anything Goes: Mixed Media