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

SYMPATHY CARD - THERE ARE NO WORDS

 Hello, Crafty Makers!

My Sister-in-law lost her husband of 55 years on February 9th. This has been a difficult time for my husband and me, too. She is his favorite sister and one of the people I love most in the world. We bought houses close to each other, and our kids grew up together. Her daughter became a physician, and our son became a physician's assistant. I have never seen her so broken.

If you follow my blog, you have seen her mentioned numerous times. She is my best customer and is always my best marketing person. She tells everyone to come to me for special occasion cards. I knew I had to create a card for her.

THE CIRCLE OF LIFE

I knew I wanted to create a shaped card. I also knew I wanted to keep the footprint small. I knew there were no words to express how my heart hurt for her and this loss. Nothing I could say would penetrate the darkness of the lonely nights ahead. So, I chose those words as my sentiment. I chose the butterfly to represent growth and change through each stage of life, and the circle to symbolize the circle of life that eventually closes for all of us!

I used my "tree" wood embossing folder to create texture on the bottom of the card. The butterfly die is from my Memory Box Die collection. The MB dies are timeless.

I framed my basic stitched circle die with a combination of fancy circle dies. The flower circle die is my favorite. It is so delicate. I  ordered this die from Temu. It was the best $.99 I ever spent. I love the combination of Kraft card and White card. I found my inspiration for this card on Pinterest!

This card style is super easy and very versatile! I will use it many times in the future!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugz,

Chana

A PLACE TO START - ANYTHING GOES - ENVELOPE POCKET CARD

 Hello, Crafty Makers!

The February challenge theme at A Place to Start is

Anything Goes w/ Optional Theme:

Small Creatures!

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I opted to create a project for the Anything Goes portion of the challenge. 

My schedule was crazy around Christmas, and I had to reschedule my infusion appointment. Because of that, I was unable to give my infusion nurses their usual gifts. I thought it would be too weird to deliver Christmas presents in February, so I decided these little envelope pocket cards would be more appropriate.

I did not have the pink cardstock I wanted, so I used Ranger's Picked Raspberry and Vintage Photo Distress Inks to create the color combination I wanted! I used Lost Shadown Distress Ink to color my stencil.

 I used Vintage Photo Distress Ink to color my white buttons.

I used waxed thread for the stitched edge.

I had these heart flower dies in my stash. They seemed perfect for this project.

I used my Vertical Lines Die to create the faux corrugated cardboard look on my hearts!

The envelope pocket card is a great way to present gift cards or cash. I decided to give some money this year. I also included a soap saver, a bar of rock soap, and a small journal and pen in the gift basket!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope to add the project sheet sometime this week. You can also find the tutorial on my YouTube channel, "Chana, Coffee & Crafts!"

Hugz,

Chana Malkah

 

 

JANUARY 2026 - A PLACE TO START - ANYTHING GOES w/Optional Twist: Rainbows (Lots of Colors)

Happy New Year, Crafty Makers!

Over at A Place to Start, we decided to start the New Year off with HOPE!

Optional Theme: Rainbows - Lots of Colors

Your project does not have to be a rainbow; we just want to see lots of colors!

I created this card for my granddaughter, who celebrated her 13th Birthday on December 27th.  My son flew down for the holidays, but the kids had other plans, so this card and her gifts are going back with her Dad.  After I completed the card and showed it to my son, he reminded me that her favorite color is lavender and her older sister's favorite color is pink.

I recreated the card in her favorite color, but switched to gold-foiled straws because they seem to work best with the lavender.

I also added a bit more color to the confetti background and brushed on some gold shimmer paint.

RAINBOW LOTS OF COLORS

This card best captures our theme of lots of colors!  The colorful straws and the confetti splatter are bright, cheery, and hopeful!

I used liquid watercolor inks to color the vellum flower.

Want to make this card? Click For Project Sheet

Project Sheets include a complete supply list and cutting dimensions.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope to see your project in our challenge!

Hugz,

Chana

Challenges Entered:

A Cut Above - ATG (Die Cuts: Sentiment and Flowers)

Aud Sentiments - ATG + Sentiment

Pammie's Inky Pinkies - ATG

Simon Says-Something New -Sentiment, Embossing Folder, Straws

Little Patch of Crafty Friends-ATG

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Stuff I Used:

Swiss Dot Embossing Folder

Faux Corrugated Cardboard EF

NicPro Metallic  Acrylic Paint

Rose Art Acrylic Paint

Pink and Gold Paper Straws

Party Patterns Paper Straws

Happy Birthday Die

A PLACE TO START DECEMBER 2025 - ANYTHING GOES W/Optional Twist: WINTER THINGS

 Hello, Crafty Mate!

Well, we have made it to the end of another year. For most of us here in America, it has been a tough year. Aside from my faith in G-d, my papercrafting was a major contributor to my sanity. The "Hubster" even started a new hobby; he makes rocks and boulders for his rock garden. Next week, he plans to start making his own Japanese Lanterns. It is an expensive hobby, but a fantastic stress reliever.

Winter Things: A Place to Start

For this month's "Winter Things" challenge, I decided to have a go at a "Shabby Chic" Poinsettia card. I wanted to use non-traditional "Christmas" colors and include straws! I found a beautiful Shabby Chic card on Pinterest that incorporated straws in the design, and I used that as my guide.

I did not have cardstock or paper in the pale pink color I wanted to use for my Poinsettias, so I used a combination of Distress Oxides, Liquid Water Color Inks, and Acrylic Paint to achieve the soft pinks and browns.

My snowy background was created using chipboard, a crimper, modeling paste, and white acrylic paint. I also added brown and white splatter.

The pink straws were left over from my granddaughter's Sweet Sixteen Party. I brushed a little Vintage Photo over them to tone down the pink. I added the Christmas Pine straw for contrast.

Beneath my focal grouping, I layered a torn piece of retro vintage paper. I cut a circle from the same paper and used it as the centerpiece for my medallion die.

I plan to make a few more of these Shabby Chic cards. I ordered a lot of straws, and I am looking at a lot of Pinterest creations and YouTube tutorials! I am sure most Americans will spend 2026 as stressed out as we have been in 2025! May G-d help us all.

To all my friends who celebrate Christmas, I hope your holidays are filled with Joy and happiness!

Hugz,

Chana Malkah!

A PLACE TO START - SOMETHING NEW - MID-MONTH PROJECT!

 Hello, Crafty Peeps!

I have so many new things in my craft box, I decided to create a mid-month project for our challenge at A Place to Start.  The "New Things" in this project are: "Always Time For Tea Die," "Sun Umbrella and Chairs Die."

I am a big fan of Lisa Curcio!  She is a Stampin' Up demonstrator who always comes up with awesome fun folds and great ways to use DSP.  Whenever I get stuck, I visit Lisa's Stamp Studio.  She made a fabulous Christmas Card using a diagonal gatefold card.  I needed a design for a new promotional die, and I like this fun gatefold design. Here is a link to her tutorial. Creating this card is super easy and super quick!

Sun Umbrella and Chairs Cutting Die

When I review products, I like to use them in an actual project.  I think it is a better way to connect with creatives. Usually, I would put this "Umbrella and Chair"metal-cutting in a more "grounded" environment.  But, since this is one of those cards that will likely remain with me, I decided to let it float!

I am committed to using all of my DSP.  I have tons of Graphic45 Papers that I need to get rid of.  This sheet from the old "A Ladies' Diary" Collection is a perfect compliment to my "Always Time For Tea" themed project.

I had fun paper piecing my die cuts!  I really like this die and look forward to using it on future projects!

Lisa's Stamp Studio Tutorial (Please watch her video for step-by-step)

Lisa has downloadable project pages on her blog

Cutting Dimensions

Base: (Double-sided Paper) 5-1/2" x 12"

Scored at 2", 4", 8", and 10".

Make pencil marks at 2-3/4" at the top and bottom of the paper. Long side. (You will cut from these marks to the edge of your 4" and 8" scorelines.)

Inside  layers - 3-3/4" x 5-1/4" and  3-1/2" x 5".

Stuff I Used:

Graphic 45 "A Ladies' Diary"

Simple Stories - Polka Dot

My Mind's Eye "Nostalgia"

Sun Umbrella and Chairs Die

There's Always Time for Tea Die

A PLACE TO START - NOVEMBER 2025 - SOMETHING NEW!

 Hello, Crafty Makers!

I am exhausted! Every election cycle, I swear I am done, but just when I think I am out, "they keep pulling me back in!"  I am running behind on everything, including posting this project for MY OWN BLOG CHALLENGE!  

I am super excited about our optional theme (Something New) this month because one of the things I am running behind on is my Amazon Reviews. I have three new dies and some lovely papers to review and share with you.  Today, I am sharing this lovely Die, "There is Always Time For Tea."  And "Retro Material Papers."

There's Always Time For Tea

I wanted to use fall-inspired colors because I am trying to use all my old Graphic 45 Papers.  I found out way too late that the G45 aesthetic is simply not my Vibe.  I have been successful using many of their papers on small elements, such as the teapot, biscuit tin, and teacups, in this design!

I decided to leave the spoon white.  Covering it with designer paper made it indistinguishable from my kettle!  The word "nice" did not emboss on my napkin, so I used one of my rubber stamps instead.  I think the black ink provides the eye with relief from all the white and orange.

As a final touch, I added a bit of "White Opal" Liquid Pearls to the lid of the tea kettle and the biscuit tin.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

 I hope you will join us at A Place to Start!  We would love to see what is new at Your Place!

STUFF I USED:

There's Always Time For Tea Die: https://amzn.to/480EvY7

Retro Material Papers: https://amzn.to/4oIU5ya

Bazzill Tangelo Cardstock: https://amzn.to/4nxswqn

Hamilco Cream Colored Cardstock: https://amzn.to/47kawes

LUXPaper-Chocolate Brown 100LB Cover: https://amzn.to/43eAU78

Graphic 45 Designer Series "An Eerie Tale."

Self-Adhesive Gems - https://amzn.to/47Egd5K

Distress Oxide Ink- Spiced Marmalade: https://amzn.to/49yJnWw

Distress Oxide Ink - Rusty Hinge: https://amzn.to/4oiZ7S3

Find Scrapbook Cutting Machine: https://amzn.to/47ll78W

My Sweet Petunia Glue Press

HAPPY 21ST BIRTHDAY - FUN FOLD BRIDGE CARD

 Hello, Crafty Makers!

My eldest grandson turned 21 on September 22nd.  When he was born, the obstetrician (who was also Jewish) commented that we almost had a "Succoth" baby.  This year, his birthday fell on Rosh HaShanah.  He came home from college so we could celebrate before the holidays began.  I was afraid he would think his card was juvenile, but he did not.  He remembered the special dances we used to do when he was a toddler.  He had a toy that played different animal sounds, and we had a "special" dance for each one. His favorite music was "Baby Elephant Walk."

My grandson is in art school, so I am never concerned about sticking to masculine colors for his cards!  As an artist, particularly a sequential artist, he does not think about colors in that way, but I still wanted to stick with a muted palette.  I love bridge cards

I used one of my abstract stencils to create the background design. I find that Tim Holtz's Lost Shadow Distress Oxide Ink is perfect for creating soft backgrounds.  I used my "Smoochies" to stamp the mirror image of my little Elephant.

The black cardstock was the perfect base.  I added a balloon heart and a circle with his age stamped on it.  I needed the age to balance the design.  My grandson has a display cabinet in his room.  One section is dedicated to craft gifts I have given him over the years. He added this to his collection before heading back to school.    

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Hugz,

Chana Malkah

Stuff I Used:

Distress Oxide Lost Shadow Ink

Simon Says You are Loved Metal Die

Reskid White Card Stock:        

HeyPlace Black Card Stock

Eyun Star Mixed-Media Stencils