11/20/11

Let's Talk Turkey Blog Hop Day 2







Turkey Hop


Hello, and WELCOME to the the "Let's TALK TURKEY" Blog Hop!!  We're so excited that you could join us for this WONDERFUL two-day hop!!  Please be sure to visit BOTH days for maximum ideas, maximum FUN, and maximum chances to WIN!!  Our hostess, Amy at http://www.lovetocrop.com, has some SUPER prizes for a few hoppers, so be sure to check out all of those details on her blog!!

If you have hopped here from April N at http://www.curlsandgrins.blogspot.com/, then you have arrived at the perfect spot in the Turkey Coop!!  If you are just popping in to visit, please take a trip back to Amy's Blog (http://www.lovetocrop.com) to start at the beginning -- we've got a bunch of Gobble-Gobble-Goodness, you won't want to miss out on any of the FUN!!

Today is day Two and for my project I created a Thanksgiving Card. I plan to give this to a good friend of mine whom I will be visiting with while he is home for Thanksgiving. 







Front of Card

All paper is made by Colorbok and with the exception of the glitter paper began as white textured cardstock. The glitter paper is actually glitter cardstock made by Colorbok & in the "Earthtones" pack. I am consistently impressed with their lines, I use a lot of their iridescent papers as well, just not on this card today. The Card base was cut from the Close to My Heart Art Philospohy Cricut Cartridge(pg 44) at 7.5" I cut two bases so that it would be a sturdy card & the smooth side of the white cardstock would be exposed. I then trimmed the glitter paper down to fit the card base & rounded the corners with my Xacto corner rounder punch. All the adhesive used on this card was Xyron. I used my 1" & 5" sticker makers and my 12" Creatopia, what an AWESOME machine! The turkeys are from the Celebrate with Flourish Cricut Cartridge and cut at 3". I used all the layers for the turkey to give him the most dimension. All the colors of inks are Tim Holtz or Adorondak. The body is Tim Holtz Distressed Walnut Stain, the next layer down where you see the swirl is Fired Brick, The blue swirls are a mix of Adorondak Metallic Mixatives in Silver and Adorondak Alcohol ink in Stream, The shadow behind the turkeys is Adorondak in Wild Plum. The little "fence" border behind the turkeys was made with one of the  Mavy Uchida punches that you can switch out the cartridges for different designs. I had purchased it, tried it out on plain white cardstock(giving me a few pieces of border in my stash) and then returned it because I decided I didn't need to spend that much money on it...Now I wish I had kept it...I want more of that border! I used Tim Holtz Distressed Ink in Peeled Paint on it.  The little thought/speech bubble is actually a card cut from the Close to My Heart Cartridge at 2" cut in half and then inked with Adorondak Alcohol Ink in Latte. I used 3-D glue dot to adhere the thought bubble. I then used Martha Stewart alphabet stamps(don't remember the name of the line) and Staz-On ink in Forest Green for the Sentiment.

Inside of Card


The same papers and inks were used on the inside. I used my Spellbinders Dies in my Sizzix Big Shot to cut and emboss the layers. Again I used Adorondak inks in Latte and the combination with Metallic Mixatives and Stream. The sentiment is with the same Martha Stewart alphabet set & Staz-On Forest Green ink.

I hope you've enjoyed my card. I enjoyed making it. This is only the second card I've ever completed. I'm not a proficient card maker, but I'm very proud of it.






Thank you again for visiting, for the next stop in the Turkey Coop, please hop to Kristy at http://www.scraptasticalkreations.blogspot.com/

Here is the entire hop lineup in case you get lost along the way.
1. Amy ~ http://www.lovetocrop.com/
2. Shawnee ~ http://www.blessedonthebrightside.com/
3. Anita ~ http://www.anitaandbugs.blogspot.com/
4. Ashley ~ http://theglamoroussideofscrapping.blogspot.com
5. Linda ~ http://www.lindascreativity.blogspot.com/
6. Colleen ~ http://www.cbcscrapbooking.blogspot.com
7. Rhonda ~ http://scraphappenswithrhonda.blogspot.com/
8.Theresa ~ http://www.thescrapbookingqueen.com/
9.April ~ http://www.curlsandgrins.blogspot.com
10.Michelle ~ http://www.craftychelle.blogspot.com/     <-------YOU ARE HERE
11.Kristy ~ http://www.scraptasticalkreations.blogspot.com/    <------GO HERE NEXT
12.Sher ~ http://www.patternsbysher.blogspot.com
13. Robin ~ http://scrapandchat.blogspot.com
14. Melissa ~ http://acreativejourneywithmelissa.blogspot.com/
15. Jamie ~ http://myamusinglife.blogspot.com/
16. Janet ~ http://createatdreamscrapbooks.blogspot.com/
17. Jessica ~ http://scrappyluvs.blogspot.com/
18. Nancy ~ http://blog.fancywithnancy.com/

11/19/11

Craft Barn 600 Follower Blog Candy Giveaway!

The Craft Barn Blog has surpassed 600 Followers & to celebrate they are giving away some pretty SWEET Blog Candy! Head on over & check them out...While you're there, enter to win the blog candy yourself...But HURRY UP! You only have until the 25th!

Let's Talk Turkey Blog Hop





Turkey Hop


Hello, and WELCOME to the the "Let's TALK TURKEY" Blog Hop!!  We're so excited that you could join us for this WONDERFUL two-day hop!!  Please be sure to visit BOTH days for maximum ideas, maximum FUN, and maximum chances to WIN!!  Our hostess, Amy at http://www.lovetocrop.com, has some SUPER prizes for a few hoppers, so be sure to check out all of those details on her blog!!

If you have hopped here from April N at http://www.curlsandgrins.blogspot.com/, then you have arrived at the perfect spot in the Turkey Coop!!  If you are just popping in to visit, please take a trip back to Amy's Blog (http://www.lovetocrop.com) to start at the beginning -- we've got a bunch of Gobble-Gobble-Goodness, you won't want to miss out on any of the FUN!!

Today is day one and for my project I created a fairly simple little tag to share with you. It can be used to put on a gift or to exchange with someone or just to display. I plan to display mine as I love to decorate for holidays & I seem to have a shortage of Thanksgiving Decorations. 



Please meet TOM the Turkey Tag :) 


To make this tag I used the turkey that I found on page 49 the Stretch Your Imagination cartridge. I cut it(and all the corresponding layers) at 3". I used white cardstock so that I could color it as I wanted. The head, gobbler and feet are done with Adorondak paint dabbers in bright colors(Red Pepper & Sunshine Yellow). The body is done in multiple applications of Tim Holtz Distressed Stamp Ink in Frayed Burlap. I used Tim Holtz Distress ink for Tom's tail feathers as well. That color is Spiced Marmalade. The shadow behind Tom is Tim Holtz Distress Peeled Paint. Take note that Tom's little wing flaps open back and forth, not that he could actually fly bc we all know that turkeys CAN'T fly, but he likes to show it off!  The tag I cut at 4.5 inches, from the Sentimentals cartridge. I used a small American Craft's stamp that is actually a Victorian flourish for the background. I've used this technique before & love how it comes out. I used Tim Holtz Distress Walnut Stain for this stamp. To finish off the tag I *attempted* to trace Tom the turkey with embossing powder. I used my embossing pen & Martha Stewart embossing powder. Some parts of it came out the way I wanted, others I'm not thrilled with, but it's there...So here's Tom the Turkey Tag. :) Hope you've enjoyed and please come back tomorrow to see even more turkey fun! 



Thank you again for visiting, for the next stop in the Turkey Coop, please hop to Kristy at 
http://www.scraptasticalkreations.blogspot.com/

Here is the entire hop lineup in case you get lost along the way.
1. Amy ~ http://www.lovetocrop.com/
2. Shawnee ~ http://www.blessedonthebrightside.com/
3. Anita ~ http://www.anitaandbugs.blogspot.com/
4. Ashley ~ http://theglamoroussideofscrapping.blogspot.com
5. Linda ~ http://www.lindascreativity.blogspot.com/
6. Colleen ~ http://www.cbcscrapbooking.blogspot.com
7. Rhonda ~ http://scraphappenswithrhonda.blogspot.com/
8.Theresa ~ http://www.thescrapbookingqueen.com/
9.April ~ http://www.curlsandgrins.blogspot.com
10.Michelle ~ http://www.craftychelle.blogspot.com/     <-------YOU ARE HERE
11.Kristy ~ http://www.scraptasticalkreations.blogspot.com/    <------GO HERE NEXT
12.Sher ~ http://www.patternsbysher.blogspot.com
13. Robin ~ http://scrapandchat.blogspot.com
14. Melissa ~ http://acreativejourneywithmelissa.blogspot.com/
15. Jamie ~ http://myamusinglife.blogspot.com/
16. Janet ~ http://createatdreamscrapbooks.blogspot.com/
17. Jessica ~ http://scrappyluvs.blogspot.com/
18. Nancy ~ http://blog.fancywithnancy.com/

11/16/11

Memories in Tyme Thanksgiving Blog Hop


Welcome to the Thanksgiving Blog Hop!!









Thanksgiving Hop











We're so happy you could join us for this super-fun hop showcasing cards, layouts and projects that feature everything to be thankful for!! You'll find an array of ideas throughout the hop -- From decorations to gift ideas and more, we hope you'll enjoy each and every project along the way!!

If you've hopped over from Jearise, then you are in the right place!! If you've just popped in to visit my blog or are reading this via email and you'd like to join our Trick-or-Treat FUN, then please CLICK HERE to start at the beginning with Lynda's blog because... It's always a TREAT to start at the start!! :) This is a TWO-DAY hop, so be sure to catch both days for maximum ideas (you'll find the entire line-up below my post)!!

For the hop today, I've created decorative nesting canisters. I used my Cricut machine to cut the deisgns. The canisters were bare, unfinished wood. I made up my own custom colors of inks using a combination of Tim Holtz and another brand(sorry I forgot the name) inks to stain the wood. I then cut the the leaves out using several Cricut cartridges(I'll add these later), the sizes are 3" 3.5" and 4" respectively for the canisters. I then used Tim Holtz distress inks in ______ Colors(I'll add these later) to ink the leaves. After the leaves were sufficiently colored, I used a variety of brands of stickles to add glitter the leaves. I then used Mod Podge to adhere the individual leaves to the boxes and coated the sides of the boxes with Mod Podge.

I chose to do these canisters because we love to decorate for all the holidays AND my mom collects canisters. I thought she would enjoy a hand made set for her collection. These canisters fit nicely with our fall and Thanksgiving decorations even though we've all been a little too sick and too busy with doctor's appointments to be able to decorate this year. I hope you all enjoy my canisters, I enjoyed making them.  

Nesting Boxes


Looking in on themselves nested  together
Canisters stacked on top of each other, first side
Canisters stacked on top of each other, side 2
Canisters stacked on each other, side 3
Canisters stacked on each other, fourth side
Lids underneath
Lids on Top

Lids on top


Thank you again for checking out my project... and Remember to visit all the stops for more chances to WIN (simply follow the sneak peek links below)!!

Now that you're done here, be sure to hop to Jen  next. Below you will find the links for BOTH days of the hop so you'll be sure not to miss a THING!!

DAY ONE (November 15):






DAY TWO (November 16):







11/11/11

Epilepsy Awareness Blog Hop




Thank you for joining for our Epilepsy Awareness Blog Hop. You will see great projects and read about some of our personal experiences with Epilepsy.
Epilepsy is a medical condition that produces different types of seizures. Epilepsy affects 50 million people worldwide. If you would like to read more information about Epilepsy you can go to the Epilepsy foundation online at : www.epilepsyfoundation.org If you arrived at my page from Lora at http://scrpbooklady.blogspot.com then you're in the right spot, however if you are reading from e-mail or just happened upon my blog, please go to Holley's blog: www.holleybarnhartsblog.com to begin the hop. There are lots of wonderful projects, touching stories and some blog candy as well.




Today I want to introduce you to my friend Ingrid and her Etsy Store Miss Bee's Boutique. Ingrid and I have been friends since college and we love to laugh at ourselves. Ingrid has Epilepsy, she had her first seizure while we were in college & it was quite the experience(once that bonded us since I was well versed in living with seizures). One of her 4 children also has Epilepsy and she has begun making custom medical alert jewelry. She also makes awareness jewelry as well. Here are some examples of her medcal alert and awareness jewelry. I love her talents.


One of the Awareness Necklaces Available

Medical Alert Zipper Pull/Keychain

Purple Day/Epilepsy Awareness Necklace




Ingrid also makes custom jewelry & she can make items into bracelets. She has many more items in her shop, these are just a couple of the examples she has. You can find a much more extensive library of her images available on her Miss Bee's Boutique Facebook Page. She can also do custom images.


Some of the images available for Epilepsy Awareness Jewelry




As a child I had what was diagnosed as "Stimuli Sensitive Epilepsy". I had seizures with a VERY specific cause(or Stimulus) and I was on an anti-convulsant for years, I don't know if it really helped or not...I had Grand Mal seizures. My stimulus happened to be head injuries. And yes, I had a lot of them...I was a bit of a daredevil of a kid... The last one I had was in 2001, it was not caused by a head injury and after extensive testing it was determined that that one was actually due to major stress & exhaustion & not related to my previous seizure disorder. Prior to that it had been nearly a decade since my previous seizure. As an adult, other than the instance in 2001, I've been seizure free...we think...although I'm in search of good neurological care for a myriad of other issues, which you can all read on my other blog www.chronic.chelle@blogspot.com . I will be updating later today with my project for this hop, I've been having a bit of a crafter's block due to all my recent medical setbacks & appointments, but I hope to have something little of my own to share with everyone for this hop as well. Please do go check out Ingrid's shop, especially if you or your child is in need of wearing a Medical Alert tag of some sort. Ingrid can customize it for whatever you need it to say.




Now your next stop along the hop is going to be Rexann at http://ibecircled.blogspot.com
I have included the entire hop lineup below in case you get lost, you can refer to it. Please leave love for all the participants. Epilepsy has touched every last one of them in some special way.


Holley- http://www.holleybarnhartsblog.com/ (start hop here)
Ashley - http://www.especiallymade.blogspot.com
Jessica- http://www.canyoupixelthis.com
Lora - http://scrpbooklady.blogspot.com
Michelle- http://www.craftychelle.blogspot.com <---------YOU ARE HERE
Rexann- http://ibecircled.blogspot.com <---------GO HERE NEXT
Lisa - http://handmadewithlove-lisa.blogspot.com/
Zenita- http://www.scrappinwithz.blogspot.com
Sher- http://www.patternsbysher.blogspot.com




11/9/11

Creative Cafe Design Team Wednesday Altered Art

As your Altered Art Wednesday Designer, I'd like to introduce you to my first project as a design team member. We were to make projects that were "All About Me" and I figured what better way than to make a box for my medications. All the different images on the box highlight things about me/who I am/what I like/etc. If you go to my photos on Creative Cafe, I've expanded on what the images on the box represent.




I started with a bare wood box I picked up at Michael's and stained it with Tim Holtz Alcohol Ink that I mixed up into a custom glimmer color. I then colored the digi stamp that is on the top which is from Slekje Digi Stamps with my Copic markers and applied her with Mod Podge. I also used Mod-Podge over the rest of the box to seal the finish I then stapled the cross into the front using a bar staple from my Fastenator. I actually had to hammer the staple in to get it to go into the slide on the cross the way I wanted to. I then ran the ribbon I was going to use through my small Xyron so that it would have adhesive on it. I used the ribbon with the adhesive to hold the medallions on, however they were a little too heavy so I had to go back & use Glossy Accents behind them to actually get the medallions to stay on the box. Next I attached the various stickers to the sides and inside lid. I had a few hiccups along the way, but that is the basics. I always tend to do things the hard way, so I ended up going back and forth and re-doing things, but the basic, important things/steps are in order...


Below are closeups of the cross and the medallions that are on the box. The larger pictures don't show the detail on them.




11/6/11

I'm on the Creative Cafe Design Team

I'm SO SO SO THRILLED to announce that I've been selected to be on the inaugural design team for the Creative Cafe. Creative Cafe is a WONDERFUL supportive community of creative ladies many of whom have been through abusive relationships. This is a wonderful community that I am honored to be a part of. I can't wait to share projects with everyone. I'll be doing weekly projects for the design team so my blog will be updated MUCH more frequently...YEAH! or is that YIKES! LOL :) You should start seeing projects from me starting the week of Nov 14th. I'm not sure what day I'll be posting my projects as of yet, we are still making our schedule, but be sure I'll be posting goodies once a week for all to see. :) Please come check out Creative Cafe and join us there as well.