Shopping Our Stash - Card Sharks - My Ace in the Hole

Hello, Crafty Peeples!

My teamies at SOS have yet to learn their lesson and have allowed me to host. 

 This week my theme is Card Sharks - Use A Playing Card.  

So Players think all the way outside the box or, in this case, outside the deck!

Here is my "Ace In The Hole" Thank You card!

This is call "forced creativity."  I created another project and when I went to post it, found that a teamie had already posted a project that was almost identical.  PANIC!  I actually like this design better!  Kismet!  

I even had some fun inside!  I must be in my Black and White period! :D)

Materials Used:

Neenah® Solar White Linen Cover Stock

Neenah® Epic Black Linen Cover Stock

Memory Box®  Open Studio™ Stitched Heart Layers

InkaDinkaDoo®  Vintage Expressions - Hello Clear Stamps

Tim Holtz® Idea-ology™Remnant Rubs - Words

Really Reasonable Ribbon

Memento™ Tuxedo Black Dye Ink

Bo Bunny® Brads

Thanks For Stopping By!
Click HERE to go to the challenge!

Clearsnap® - It's In There! - Vintage Rx Pocket Page

Hello, Crafty Peeps,

This week on the Clearsnap® Blog, my teammates and I are sharing ideas for pocket pages, swaps, and letters.  I must admit this was my first foray into the world of pocket letters.  I previously created a pocket page cookbook.  

Our featured product this week is the fabulous Susan K. Weckesser Color POP Mint ink pad!  More details and product information can be found Here

GET EMOTIONAL AND KEEP CRAFTING!

Hugz!

Disclosure Statement

EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1, 2009, FTC GUIDELINES REQUIRE BLOGGERS TO DISCLOSE ANY TIME THEY ARE COMPENSATED FOR ENDORSING OR REVIEWING PRODUCTS OR SERVICES.

The Project demonstrated above contains components received for free in return for my services and for posts on my blog. I affirm that I have not made, nor would I ever make or endorse, misleading statements regarding any product or service used in the operation of this blog.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS REGARDING ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE USED ON MY BLOG, PLEASE CONTACT ME AT CMALKAH@YAHOO.COM.

Create Your Own Patterned Paper

Hello, Crafty Folks!

I enjoy creating my own backgrounds and my own patterned papers.  

The most difficult part of this project was deciding which Teresa Collins™  products to use.  Choosing from a new line of stamps created for ClearSnap® and exciting A4 embossing folders created for Craftwell® wasn't easy but I finally chose the "Love" and "Hope" stamps and her new Craftwell® A4 embossing folder "SnapShot".  Need I say more?

Before

To see the tutorial for this project and to learn more about the new Teresa Collins® products for ClearSnap® and Craftwell®, please check out my post on the ClearSnap® Blog

HUGZ

Challenges:

Things To Alter

Disclosure Statement

EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1, 2009, FTC GUIDELINES REQUIRE BLOGGERS TO DISCLOSE ANY TIME THEY ARE COMPENSATED FOR ENDORSING OR REVIEWING PRODUCTS OR SERVICES.

The Project demonstrated above contains components received for free in return for my services and for posts on my blog. I affirm that I have not made, nor would I ever make or endorse, misleading statements regarding any product or service used in the operation of this blog.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS REGARDING ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE USED ON MY BLOG, PLEASE CONTACT ME AT CMALKAH@YAHOO.COM.

Shopping Our Stash #260 - Get Inspired By Your Bedding!

Hey, Crafty Peeps!

We are back with another one of our off the wall Shopping Our Stash challenges!  The last time we wandered this far into the land of unique inspiration we asked you to get inspired by your shower curtain! I drew my inspiration from the bedding in one of our guest rooms. 

The primary focal is the geometric pattern in the comforter.   The comforter is reversible, so I was inspired by the greyish brown color and tried to match that in the cardstock used for my base.  My paper is much darker but the true color is more correctly reflected in the banner and the designer paper used on the inside. 

 I wanted to play around with double-embossing the front of my card.  For this creation, I used ColorBox® Silver Embossing Powder in combination with the WRMK® Next Level "Quilted" Embossing Folder

A tutorial for double-embossing can be found HERE on the ClearSnap® Blog

I finished off the design with the Heidi Swapp® Love, Love, Love Banner.  I die cut a heart using my Sizzix® Hearts. Both the sentiment and the heart are secured with double-sided foam tape.  This created a cool 3D look IRL.  

The interior was finished off with a designer sheet from Teresa Collins'™ "Far Away" collection.   Finally, I added a Petaloo Glass Flower. 

Thanks for stopping by!   Try this double-embossing.  You can create fun, elegant faux metal designs and save money!  

Hugz,

Chana

Materials

1 Pc Card Stock cut to 5-1/2" x 12.0"  (finished card will be 5-1/2" x 6.0")

1 Pc Card Stock cut to 5-1/4" x 5-1/4"

1 Pc Designer Paper - Teresa Collins™ Far Away

Embossing Folder - WRMK® Next Level - Quilted

ColorBox® Silver Embossing Powder

Top Boss® Embossing Ink

Die - Sizzix - Hearts
Embellishments -
     Heidi Swapp "Love, Love, Love" Banner
     Petaloo Premier Spring 1 Darjeeling Collection - Glass Flower with Leaves
Parchment Paper

Decoupage Clue

Double-sided foam

Tools

Paper Trimmer

Craft Iron

Disclosure Statement

EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1, 2009, FTC GUIDELINES REQUIRE BLOGGERS TO DISCLOSE ANY TIME THEY ARE COMPENSATED FOR ENDORSING OR REVIEWING PRODUCTS OR SERVICES.

The Project demonstrated above contains components received for free in return for my services and for posts on my blog. I affirm that I have not made, nor would I ever make or endorse, misleading statements regarding any product or service used in the operation of this blog.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS REGARDING ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE USED ON MY BLOG, PLEASE CONTACT ME AT CMALKAH@YAHOO.COM.

Be Fearless - Embossing Fun with ClearSnap® and Craftwell®

Hello, Crafty Peeps!

I am just tickled pink to have this opportunity to work with the  new Teresa Collins™ partnership products developed for 

ClearSnap® and Craftwell® . 

I am a lover of all things Teresa Collins and I usually purchase her 6"x6" designer paper pads in multiples of six each.  Now, I find myself addicted to her wood mounted stamps.  I knew this design needed a strong, bold sentiment. Teresa's "Be Fearless" stamp fit the bill perfectly.  It embossed perfectly and because the text is stacked, it set the tone for  the design composition.

My purpose for wet embossing a metallic powder over a dry embossed surface was to make an impact statement. Teresa Collins™Twill Herringbone embossing folder** delivered the impact and also helped achieve my design goals of deep impressions, texture, and structure. 

I have used embossing powders to create faux metal embellishments and thought that process might work well here.  The first dress form was dry embossed and then wet embossed with the Herringbone EF, but the design seemed to be fighting the gingham ribbon so I chose the non-embossed version.  If you want to be adventurous, try paper piecing an outfit for your dress form!

**This is an A4 (8.27" × 11.69") Folder it is too large for the Standard Big Shot.

Creating your own background

Working with dark colors can be tricky.  Creating your own background design gives you creative control.   I wanted to stay in the "brown" color family but needed to bring some light into the design.  ColorBox® Cat's Eye Chalk Ink is great to work with and very versatile.  I used the "Yellow Citrus" ink to balance the "Burnt Siena" and Copper.  I also swabbed a little "Creamy Brown" across the panel to deepen the creamy color of my cardstock.  The creamy brown is so luscious.  If you are going to add any chalk ink to your collection, add this one. 

I also decided to have some fun inside my card.  I heat embossed the edges of my word bubble!  The paper is Teresa Collins® "Now and Then" Collection.

 These are the products I used:

ClearSnap® Products

ColorBox® Cat's Eye Chalk Ink Pads: Yellow Citrus, Burnt Sienna

Teresa Collins™ ColorBox® Pigment Ink Pad: Fiesty Red

ColorBox® Top Boss™Clear Embossing Ink

ColorBox® Embossing Powder: Copper

ClearSnap® Teresa Collins Wood Mount Stamps: Be Fearless and Love

Craftwell® Products

Teresa Collins™ Collection A4 Embossing Folder: Twill Herringbone

Teresa Collins™Products

Teresa Collins™"Now and Then" 6"x6" Designer Pad

Other Supplies and Tools:

Die cutting/embossing machine

Cream colored Card Stock

Kraft Card Stock

Dies:  Word Bubble, Dress Form (or dies of your choice)

Ribbon, Glue, Double-sided Foam Tape or squares

Paper Trimmer

Heat Gun

The Tutorial Can be found on the ClearSnap® Blog!

HUGZ,

Cardmaker® Magazine and ClearSnap® "All About Chalk" Blog Hop

Hello, Crafty Peeps!

It truly does not get any better than this! 

"All About Chalk" 

I knew my time as a Guest Blogger with ClearSnap® would be exciting but this is an excitement extra!   I love stationery, I love Chalk Inks, I love Africa and Kenya is one of my favorite countries! Just imagine my delight when I learned I would have the opportunity to combine these three passions in a design for this hop!  

KENYA
A CHALK INK TRIBAL STATIONERY SET

  Africa is rich in natural resources and beautiful, engaging people.  I drew inspiration from the rich colors used in tribal clothing, particularly among the Maasai, a pastoral tribe famous for their authentic culture.  They defied modern culture to retain their traditional way of life.

The vibrant colors of the ColorBox® Chalk Ink Pads made it easy to bring the essence of the Maasai Tribe and the country of Kenya to my stationery design. I wanted to create an organic project that would bring my three loves together in an elegant presentation.

Tutorial Supplies 

• ColorBox® Chalk Paintbox® - Mercantile
• ColorBox® Chalk-Full Size Pads:  Pumpkin Spice, Splash, Cheeky, Blackbird
• ColorBox® Art Daubers
• ColorBox® Stylus and Tips
• ColorBox® Color Blender
• ColorBox® Art Screen-Cobblestone
• Stencils: Stencil Girl "Tribal Men" and TCW Julie Belzer's "Mini Mod Checkerboard"
• BQLZR Vintage Desk Edge Box Corner  Protectors - Antique 
• Chipboard Letters
• Metallic Wax
• Aileen's Acrylic Spray Sealer

STEP TUTORIAL

• Start with an empty Stationery box (or create one.)   Link: DIY A2 BOX

• Cover the interior and exterior of the lid and tray with either white gesso or a white chalk paint. For my project, I used an off-white chalk paint.  You can make your own chalk paint. Link: DIY Chalk Paint 

Use a ColorBox® Stylus tool to apply the desired ink colors to the box top and tray.

• Use a ColorBox® Stylus tool to apply the desired ink colors  to the box top and tray.

• To achieve reddish-orange color so favored by the Maasai, use ColorBox® Chalk inks: Pumpkin Spice (full-size pad) and Candied Yam (PaintBox® -fourth color from the left.)Apply painters tape to the finished edges of the box top.
• Using the direct to surface method, apply ColorBox® Chalk paint (Blackbird.) Use the Stylus Tool to even out any streaks.  Since you will be stenciling over this area the underlying paint does not have to be perfect.

• Apply your stencil design.  For my "woven" design, I used ink colors: Alabaster, Red Barn, and Guacamole from the PaintBox® "Mercantile." The Alabaster ink is actually an off white, but when stenciled on the black background it looks almost silver.  This was an unintended consequence but I like it.   
• Depending on the intricacy of your stencils, you will need to use daubers, blenders, and the Stylus tool to apply your inks.

• Embellish your project as desired.  I cut my letters from heavy weight chipboard and applied a coat of gesso prior to applying my chalk ink.
• seal the box with two applications of an acrylic spray sealant.

• The box corner protectors add an elegant note to the design project.  Instead of the screws that came with the corner protectors, I used small black brads.  The  (green) chalk ink used for the box tray is Guacamole and is in the ColorBox® Paintbox® "Mercantile."

• Use your stencils to create the desired number of stationery sheets.  I created four of each (notecards, Full Sheets (6"x6"),  Short Sheets (4"x6") in each stencil design.  I used an Antique Laid Paper for the stationery.  The texture communicates the strength and resolve of the Maasai!  The Zebra design was created using the ColorBox® Art Screen - Cobblestone

ENJOY THE HOP!  IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS PROJECT, CONTACT ME AT:

cmalkah@hotmail.com .

HUGZ!

Disclosure Statement

EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1, 2009, FTC GUIDELINES REQUIRE BLOGGERS TO DISCLOSE ANY TIME THEY ARE COMPENSATED FOR ENDORSING OR REVIEWING PRODUCTS OR SERVICES.

The Project that is demonstrated below contains components I received for free from ClearSnap® in return for my services as a Guest Designer and for posts on my blog. I affirm that I have not made, nor would I ever make or endorse, misleading statements regarding any product or service used in the operation of this blog.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS REGARDING ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE USED ON MY BLOG, PLEASE CONTACT ME AT CMALKAH@YAHOO.COM.

Life's A Picnic - Upcycled Styrofoam Ice Chest

Hello, Crafty Peeps!

 I am continuing my quest to "Happydize" all the equipment and other paraphernalia connected with the treatment of my disease.  Monday I posted my updated Banana Hanger.  Today I am posting my updated styrofoam ice chest.

My Immuno-therapy medications used to be delivered every month in this "environmentally" toxic puppy.  Thank goodness, when my provider company was purchased by a large insurance company, they switched over to the "space bags."  The Hubster and I no longer have to figure out what to do with the containers.  Anyway, two of the ice chests are with me permanently.  One, to store nursing supplies and one to hold emergency supplies.

I thought it was great, artistically, when pieces of the styrofoam began chipping away as I worked.  My illness is a lot like that, it slowly robs you of muscle function.  Sometimes, it is easy to focus more on what I can't do or what I used to do, rather than focusing on the beauty that remains in all that I still can do.  Life is a picnic!

The edges are painted gold and speak to the golden moments that Amy and I share during our two days together.  We have solved all the world's problems, more than once!  We have found differences in our sameness and sameness in our differences, and we have become friends.  Best of all, she refuses to attend any of my pity parties.  The Hubster moved our hummingbird feeder closer to the bay window so Amy and I can actually see them feed.

 Jimmy is "The Hubster."

 Amy is my friend and infusion nurse.

 Stacie, is my daughter.

Josh is my eldest grandson

Timothy is my son.

Dr. Greene is my neurologist. 

Danielle, Sean, and Michaela are my three younger grandkids whose names will be added later

 The book pages represent my love of reading and writing.  The bird nest decoupage napkins speak to my love of nature (a gift from my Cherokee father.)  The color blue represents the sky, which for me reflects the eternal presence of G-d.)  The molding plaster pays homage to the rough patches we all face in life.  The green and orange represent the earth.  It is here that we have dominion.  It is here that we are given the power to overcome any challenge life puts in our path.

I had fun doing this.  Even The Hubster thought is was good emotional therapy for me.  I am such a control freak it is very difficult living each day with something I cannot control.  Maybe this is the lesson I am to learn, maybe this is the correction for my Neshama!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugz,

Chana

Shopping Our Stash #245 - Something for the Big or Biggest Boy

This week,at Shopping Our Stash, Alica is hosting and she wants us to create a masculine card.  I feel badly about presenting a work in progress, but I am still working on this card for my son's birthday.  I hope to have updated pictures later in the week.

My son is a Systems Engineer and sometimes has to come up with extremely "creative" solutions for his clients.  Tight budgets and grand expectations have to be balanced to create systems that are functional and cost effective.  Sometimes he has to think way outside the box!

 I used WRMK's Next Level Embossing folder to create the basket weave.  Then I rubbed Rub N' Buff Grecian and Autumn Gold across the front and buffed it to a shine.  I tried to get the "golden glitter" on camera but failed.  Maybe I can talk my photographer into taking pictures tomorrow.

Shopping Our Stash Challenge #236 - Inspired By A Book - N'tilat Yadayim

Hello, Crafty Peeps!

Well, we have a good theme for our challenge this week at Shopping Our Stash!

We want you to create a project that was:

Inspired By A Book

I really thought this would be easy.  Not only am I an avid reader,  but also, one of those who keeps books to read them again.  Last year during our decluttering push, I sent tons of books off to my grandson's school and to a store that resells books.  Still,  I have tons more that belong to me and some that belong to my son, who also a hoarder of books.  Needless to say, even surrounded by all this potential inspiration, I came up empty!  While I was wandering around picking up books and putting them down again, The Hubster called to say that lunch was ready.

I was still seeking inspiration when I picked up the hand washing cup and was stunned by how awful it looked.  Immediately, I knew this cup would be my project for the challenge.

N'tilat Yadayim

 Inspired by the Bencher Siddur Birkat Hamazon,  a book of Prayers and Songs

Yadayim = Hands

HOW THIS WAS DONE!

The hand washing cup is used for ritual hand washing prior to eating a meal with bread.  As wedding gifts, we were given several beautiful cups that we use on Shabbos, however, for everyday use, we chose these plastic cups.  Over time, they have become discolored.

I love using the faux metal technique and wanted to see how it would work on my cup!

I love  these WRMK Next Level Embossing Folders.  You get 2 Folders

 Texture Paste on the Debossed side of the foil preserves your design 

and helps with application.

This was applied to the bottom of the cup.  I covered it with clear shelf liner and the entire cup was sealed first with Mod Podge™ and Varnish!

Supplies Used:

Plastic Hand Washing Cup

Aluminum Foil

WRMK® Next Level Folder - Butterfly (Each Pkg has two folders.)

Liquitex® Molding Paste

 Ann Butler Designs® Iridescents™ 

Earth Safe Finishes® Chalk It Up Paint™

Liquitex® Professional Varnish - Gloss

Mod Podge™

Scor-Tape

Rub n' Buff ® Wax Finish - Silver Leaf (used on the rim of the cup)

Ranger ® Distress Paint™ - Hickory Smoke (Used to paint the inside)

The Hubster and I both feel much better now when we say the N'tilat Yadayim!  I believe anytime we honor HaShem, our ritual items should always be at their very best.  He is Worthy of the Honor and the Praise!

Thanks for stopping by!

HUGZ!

Chana Malkah

SOS

 My teammates have created some pretty fabulous projects!  Pay them a visit and leave some love!