Shopping Our Stash - Challenge #441 - The Rainbow Connection

 Hello, Crafty Makers!

"Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection.

The lovers, the dreamers, and me!  

All of us under its spell, we know that it's probably magic!" 

Kermit, The Frog

It is time for another fortnight challenge at 

Shopping Our Stash!

RAINBOWS

I decided on a non-traditional approach to this challenge.

One Bloom

I think of my card as a deconstructed Rainbow. The background was created using a stencil and Distress Oxide Inks. The sunflower image was already cut and colored for use on an abandoned project.  The sentiment is from an old stamp set that I have had for almost 15 years.

This project came together quickly!  CAS is not my thing, but sometimes a project chooses its own direction.

My teammates have created fun projects for your inspiration.  Please join us!  Everybody loves rainbows!

Shopping Our Stash #414 - The Great Outdoors

Hello, Crafty Makers!

Today starts another fortnight challenge at Shopping Our Stash.

The challenge theme is "The Great Outdoors,"  

Share with us any project that has anything related to the "Outdoors" or "Nature."

I am doing a series of split cards and this challenge seemed a perfect opportunity to experiment more with the technique.

I AM ALLERGIC TO BEE STING!

Solitary Bees invade our yard each year. I really want to reclaim our lawn and get back to the beautiful street appeal we once had but, in order to do, that we would have to put down chemicals that would kill the Bees and that does not work for us. Also, the county extension office told us that it is illegal to kill Solitary Bees because they are often more efficient at pollination than Honey Bees.  And, if you add to that my compromised immune system, you can see our dilemma.  

The inside of the card is very simple!  I may stamp a birthday sentiment at the very top. I might be able to do that and still leave room for a personal note.

The most fun part of creating these split cards is figuring out how to arrange the focal grouping.  It should tell a story, I think. My honeycomb was originally totally on the outside of the card but it accidentally slipped behind my top panel and I thought, "oh, yeah, that will work!"   I used Stickles on the bee's wings and "Glossy Accents" on his body.  I also used "Wink of Stella" on the honeycomb and the sun!

As for our real bees, we could have the entire yard dug up after they leave.  Turning the yard would destroy their tunnels and we can hope that they won't return but that could be expensive and possibly futile since it is the flowers that attract them.  In the meantime, at least I honored the bees with a fun, crafty card!

You can find my Step Tutorial for Split Cards HERE

You can link to Jennifer McQuire's Video Tutorial HERE

HAPPY CRAFTING!

HUGZ,

Challenges Entered:

Jan's Digi Stamps Challenge

Incy Wincy Designs Challenge

Stuff I Used:

Shopping Our Stash #413 - My Heart Is On Fire!

Hello, Crafty Peeps!

It's time for another fortnight challenge at 

Shopping Our Stash!

"My Heart Is On Fire"

You may use Red, Hearts, Fire or any combination of the three!

Everything used on this card is from my stash.  I have had this Neenah "Hot Pepper" linen card stock since 2003.  I am down to my last three or four sheets.  It is so expensive now I doubt that I could afford it! The gold card has also been in my stash since 2001.  I have quite a bit left.  In the past, I didn't use much gold but that is slowly changing.

One of my crafting goals this year is to use my embossing folders and my old impression plates.  I was able to use three of my favorites in this project.  I was also able to use one of my flatback pearl hearts, which are almost 10 years old.  I am not spending one unnecessary penny on crafts.  I am finding far too much good stuff in my stash!

I decided to keep the inside very simple.  I do think that I am going to go back and stamp a sentiment.  I was running a tad bit late with my project and it wasn't until I took the pictures that I realized I need a sentiment.  I only have like 100 Valentine stamp sets!😀

I cut my little heart using one of my old steel rule dies!  They are the reason that I have a brand new, still, in the box, Big Shot under the bed in the guest room and another in my studio, along with my BS Plus and BS Pro.  The Hearts EF is a WRKM Next Level.  I am glad I purchased almost all of these before they were discontinued.  The diagonal embossing was made using a Couture Pinstripe EF. I just turned the panel at an angle.   The Swiss Dots EF is a very old Cuttlebug A2 EF and was among one of my first purchases back in  2004.

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!

Challenges Entered:

Papercraft Business Challenge

CASology - Sweetheart

Classic Design Team - Always ATG

Stuff I Used:

Shopping Our Stash #408 - Here Comes Suzy Snowflake

Hello, Crafty Folks!

Welcome to another fun challenge at Shopping Our Stash!

The theme this fortnight is Here Comes Suzy Snowflake!

I have had these snowflakes hanging around since last year and this challenge is the perfect opportunity to finally use them.  I planned an entirely different project but computer issues forced me to make something simple.  I do, however, love my embedded snowflakes!

I have not purchased crafting supplies in almost a year now, well, actually it has been nine (9) months.   From now on, every project I create will be "shopped from my stash!" I have been tempted, but I would rather have a new floor and new furniture in my studio!

My Snowflake card was created using this tutorial:  

Embedded Snowflakes - Handcrafted by Helen

Hugz!

I usually don't do Christmas challenges, but I found a new (to me) challenge "Christmas Kickstart" that I thought would be fun for my friends who do celebrate Christmas.   I did not create this card specifically for their challenge...but I think Dotty Jo will let me slide this time!  Check them out!

Challenges Entered
Christmas Kickstart Challenge - Snow 
A Perfect Time To Craft - Always Anything Goes

Classic Design Team Challenge - Always Anything Goes
The Crafting Challenge - Always Anything Goes
Merry Little Christmas Challenge - Christmas Theme
Pearly Sparkles Challenge - Christmas

Shopping Our Stash - Gift or Gift Card Wrapping

Hello, Crafty Peeples!

This week at Shopping Our Stash, we challenge you to create pretty gift, wrapping, or card holders!

If you are a regular visitor to my blog, you know this is the time of year that I make these little gift baskets.  

For this challenge, I decided to use the remnants of Graphic 45 "A Ladies' Diary" Collection to create an ensemble gift package.

Chanukah Gift Ensemble "Shani"

I created this Chanukah Gift for my friend, Shani, who lives in Israel.  I miss her so much and we just had our annual two-hour-long phone chat that made me miss her even more.  Now I need to up-cycle a cardboard box for packaging.  I am glad Chanukah lasts 8 days!  I also need to stop nibbling on the candy!

Journal/Diary

This journal,  from a Flying Unicorn  Club shipment (last year,)
was just perfect for creating a companion journal/diary element. 

A little bling to hide the seam but mostly to add interest and voila!

The best part about making this book cover was not having to do anything except cut the paper to size and wrap it around the book.  I used my favorite Decoupage Technique to adhere the paper.  I also decoupaged the "A Ladies' Diary" label. Hard to tell this is not the original cover!

I added a pocket to the inside cover and I am thinking about adding one  "A Ladies' Diary" Stamped image to each page.  I love how the stamp strip folded over perfectly on the back cover.  Sweet! 

The back is as pretty as the front.  I love G45 Papers for projects like this one.  Creating is fun and easy!

A little scoring plus a little Scor-tape and you get a perfect spine!

Electric Pillar Candle

I stained this electric pillar candle a few months ago to use for another challenge.  They didn't like it so I kept it on my table just waiting for the perfect project. So, what do you think?  

Isn't this a nice addition to the ensemble? 

Thanks so much for stopping by!  

Stop by and leave some LUV for the rest of the SOS Team

CHRIS

MARIA

BARBARA

MIMI

LAUREN

DEENA

Materials Used

Papers:  Graphic 45® "A Ladies' Diary™"

(I cut the basket using Neenah® CS and then glued the G45 papers onto the individual strips.  The paper alone is not sturdy enough.)

Flowers: Prima® Flowers

Gift Tags: Prima® "Something Blue" Collection

Brads: Bo Bunny

Border Bling:  Want2Scrap

Candy: Hershey® Nuggets

Challenges Entered:

Creative Artists Challenge:  Mixed Media

Shopping Our Stash - Bargello Technique (Paper Strips)

Hello, Crafty Peeps!

Wow!  It really feels like forever since I created a card.  Over at Shopping Our Stash, Chris came up with the wonderful idea to create cards using the Bargello Technique.   Bargello was actually created as a quick way to design beautiful quilt patterns. Of course, paper crafters adopted the technique. We would love to see your creative interpretations. I am sure this will become a frequently used technique in my studio. I have ideas!

Click here for the Splitcoast Stampers Bargello Video

My Art Deco Bargello

In the true spirit of the Shopping Our Stash challenge model, I only used products that have been in my stash for 3 months or more.  

My Mind's Eye "Nostalgia" 6"x6" Pad:  This pad is almost over two years old.  I ordered tons when Crafty Steals had them on sale for $2.99 each.  Ribbons:  These are both at least 5 years old.   I just buy ribbon because it is pretty!  Cardstock:  Ancient!  I mean more than 11 years old.

My Doodled Flower:
Click Here for Eileen Hull Video
Eileen Hull hosted a live Facebook class on this technique about three months ago. This was a practice piece and has been on my board just waiting for the right project!

I added a couple strips of my design paper to the edge of the inside writing page.   I am thinking of adding a stamped image before sending this off!
Not Much of A Tutorial
but you should get the general idea!

These are so much fun to create!  

Eileen Hull is the queen of all things FLOWERY!

Use spray mists to create your splatter sheet (Mist both sides.)

Cut your flower petals!  I used Sizzix®, Bigz™Die 

"Eileen Hull® Flower Layers with Heart Petals

Add your doodle and then layer your flower!

 I chose to doodle hearts but you can summon up your "Zentangle™" spirit and doodle whatever you wish!

Thanks for dropping by!  My Teammates have created fab designs using the Bargello Technique.  Stop by their blogs and leave a little Luv!

OUR GUEST DESIGNER

CORNELIA 

CHRIS

MARIA

BARBARA

MIMI

LAUREN

DEENA

HUGZ!

CHANA