Creativity Stirs The Soul

Faux Quilting with the Get-It-Straight Laser Square

2013-06-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

Here is a video I created showing how easy it is to Stamp out a Faux Quilt with stamps from Unity Stamp Company and the KellyCraft Get-It-Straight Laser Square

Faux Quilting Flying Geese Pattern

2013-06-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

Watch the video below to see how to stamp out the Flying Geese Pattern quickly and easily using stamps from Unity Stamp Company:

DCC Blog Hop....Faux Quilting a PinWheel Pattern

2013-06-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

It is the first Monday of the month so it is time for the Designer Craft Connection Blog Hop.....the theme this month is "What do you CREATE that makes you Happy?" Since being a designer is my full time job Creating just about anything makes me happy as I am happy and thrilled to be able to follow my dreams of creating everyday for a living. What truly makes me happy right now is my new stamp line with Unity Stamp Company......Check out how easy it is to create a Faux Quilted PinWheel Pattern with my stamps!

You can check out more of my Faux Quilting How-to Videos in a previous post by clicking here!

Check out more great projects by clicking on the

logo located to the left of this post. ENJOY!

VELCRO® Brand Peel-Away Seed Pots

2013-05-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

Truth be told I am not a gardener....but I do love a garden; being able to walk out and get fresh vegetables is one of the joys of summer. I also enjoy canning so during the long winter months we are still enjoying the harvest from our garden. So it is a good thing my husband does like to garden......

This year we discovered the awesome VELCRO® Brand Peel-Away™ Seed Pots.

They are so cool.....and come in a couple of sizes

so you can start your starter plants in the size you think you will need.

You simply place 2 of the sections on top of each other

and since they are VELCRO® they will stick to each other.

Then you form it into littler seed pots.....

Get your seed out and some potting soil....

Fill each pot with the soil....

Add your seed and cover it with some soil....water

and wait for them to grow....

Then you simply peel the pot away and plant them in your garden.....

Be sure to save the VELCRO® Brand Peel-Away™ Seed Pots

because they are reusable.....

just brush away the dirt and save them for next year!

Hat Pins created wtih Connie Crystal

2013-05-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

One of the things I collect are cups and saucers (or tea cups); I have a wonderful plate rail that goes all the way around my dining room and that is where I showcase the ones I am fortunate enough to find. I am fascinated by the intricate designs of some of the collectable cups and saucers I have and have seen. I also think Hat Pins are very cool so I thought I would takes some of my crystals from Connie Crystal and create some hat pins to put inside a small cup and saucer I have; of course you could make hat pins and use them in a variety of way so this is just to get you started as it is quick and easy!

For complete step by step instructions on how I created these check out the Connie Crystal Blog!

Ann Butler Designs Unity Stamp Company Blog Hop

2013-05-04T00:00:00.000-05:00

I must admit I am over the moon excited about my new stamp line with Unity Stamp Company and I am pleased to announce the Designer Blog Hop starting today using my stamp line.

I have 21 amazing designer friends who have each created something spectacular with my stamps....if you have not seen them yet they come in basic shapes of 1″ and 2″ squares and triangles that can be used in many different ways.

Pictured above is a baby quilt I created using the 2″ square stamps with Clearsnap Crafter’s Ink, which is machine washable after being heat set with an iron. The quilt measures 36″ x 36″ and was stamped out in a couple hours, then I backed it with batting and backing material and machine stitched it between the squares…..it was so easy to do and you can not tell that the squares are stamped, they look like individual fabric squares….I call this technique “Faux Quilting”, so fast and easy!

Here is a video showing how easy the process is to stamp out a quilt!

Here is another video showing an easy way

to Over Stamp to create Awesome Effects!

Here is another video showing
Stamping Over Pattern Paper
another way to use the stamps
and create one of a kind papers!

These stamps can be used in so many creative ways; above I simply used some of the 1″ squares and triangles with Clearsnap Crafter’s Ink to stamp out a fun design on this baby ones, went around each with some I Love to Create Scribbles Dimensional Paint and added glitter. Again so quick and easy….

I will be creating a new video each week to show new ways to use this Stamp Line

in the meantime check out all of the creative ways my Designer Friends have used the stamps

by checking out the blog hop below.....
just click on the name below mine (#2) to get started

and please be sure to leave them a comment as you are hopping around!
If for some reason one of the blog does not have the list
just come back to my blog and click on the next one in line
as they will open in a new window each time!
Enjoy!

Oh Wait.....There is one more very important announcement:

Unity Stamp Company is having this Fabulous Sale

Now through Monday May 6, 2013 at Midnight....

Be sure to check it out and grab some Stamps!

Designer Blog Hop Starts Tomorrow!

2013-05-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

Be sure and stop by tomorrow as the Designer Blog Hop for my NEW Stamp line with Unity Stamp Company starts tomorrow with 21 fabulous designer friends!

PLUS...

Receive 50% off your oder through midnight Monday May 6, 2013

with the coupon code above.....

plus for orders over $50 shipping is only $2

Plus......

FREE Sentiment Stamps with every $5 purchased.....

How cool is that!

Crystal Doggie Collar

2013-04-29T00:00:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago I created a beautiful Crystal and Pearl doggie collar for my youngest daughters Yorkie "Marty"; when my oldest son heard about the collar he thought I should create one for his Miniature Pincher "Kira" after all she was a girl dog and could pull off a "Crystal" collar well.....I wanted to create something that would hold up well as "Kira" is a little more active then "Marty" and since I absolutely love the Crystal Mesh Sheets from Connie Crystal I knew I would incorporate them into the collar.

Check out how easy it is to create this doggie collar by going to the Connie Crystal Blog here......I would love to see what you create with this wonderful Crystal Mesh Sheet.....

A Stunning Crystal Headband

2013-04-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

Headbands are so popular right now and such a great accessory for every length of hair. When I saw this beautiful Crystal Mesh from Connie Crystal I knew it would make a stunning headband. It turned out so simply stunning that I created two, one that is quick and easy and the second one takes literally minutes not counting dry time. Both look just the same when worn so the choice is yours as to which you want to make.

Materials:
Connie Crystal Mesh: 3 crystals wide x 13" long
Beacon Premium Tacky Glue
Grosgrain Ribbon: 3/8" x 16"
Thin Clear Round Elastic 12"

You cab get complete instructions on the Connie Crystal Blog........another quick and easy project, check it out!

Guest Designer Lisa Rojas

2013-04-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

Today's project is brought to you by my dear friend Lisa Rojas. Lisa is a wonderfully talented designer and created this beautiful "Crystal Floral Cuff Bracelet" using Connie Crystal's Crystal Sheet and Velcro® Brand Fasteners; a quick and easy project that she created in less then 20 minutes.....check it out!

Crystal Floral Cuff Bracelet

Supplies

Connie Crystal White Crystal Sheet

Prima Marketing Pink Flowers

Velcro® Brand Press & Close Fasteners

Beacon Adhesives Dazzle Tac Glue

Offray 1/4" Green Ribbon

Instructions

Gather your supplies

Cut crystal sheet in half. This cuff measures

2 1/4"W x 7 3/4"L

Adhere Velcro fasteners to the

crystal sheet

Fasten Velcro on the cuff. Place a paper towel

through cuff. Tie ribbon in a bow. Adhere bow

and flowers to cuff center. Let dry and you're done!

Oh so EASY.....Slide Bracelets

2013-04-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

I just have to say that I love my job as a full time designer as I am able to be creative everyday. Sometimes it is creating projects, teaching workshops, writing articles, developing products for licensing and sometimes it is testing new products for wonderful companies along with social media and consulting. Last week I received a package from Cousin Corporation

filled with goodies to play with......

The Cousin Corporation is based out of Largo Florida and actually started as a retail craft store in 1970 called Enterprise Art. I used to love to shop at their retail store when I would visit my parents in Florida, I was sad to see the retail store go away but thrilled that they continue to produce and supply the industry with wonderful beads and findings. So when asked to try out some of their new products I was happy to do so knowing the quality of their merchandise and I was not disappointed.

They have a new "Slide Bracelet" line (which is available at JoAnn stores) which literally takes under 5 minutes to create; it actually takes longer to choose which slides and clasp to use then to create the bracelet.

The leather base comes in 8" length so trim as needed then simply choose you components,

slide them onto the leather base.

Glue your end in place, let dry.

That's it.....oh so simple.

But of course my package came with 2 leather bracelets, the black one above and a tan one.....

so I decided to create a second bracelet but this time....

I decided to paint the leather with Earth Safe Finishes Aqua Shimmer and let it dry.

Then I trimmed as needed.

I painted the sliders with Earth Safe Finishes Rose Shimmer and

let them dry.

I glued a fabric stiffened flower, which I edged with shimmer to match the sliders.

Them I assembled it.....

I love the result of being able to personalize these slider bracelets.

Check out the complete how to video here!

Also if you are on Facebook you can follow Cousin by clicking here!

UpDate an Old Calendar with Velcro

2013-04-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

Each year I buy a new calendar as most people do.....when I could not find one I really liked my daughter mentioned to me that I always buy the same style every year and she is right....so I thought why spend money on a new one when I can easily re-use the ones from years past, since I also keep them all. Plus I always get a free calendar or two from some of the local stores, I just prefer prettier ones which is why I usually buy them.

I gathered my supplies:

My old preferred calendar

A new generic (Free) calendar

Decorative Scrapbooking Cardstock and paper

Velcro® White Tak Putty

Scissors

I cut my papers to the size I needed to cover the old calendar

Added my Velcro® White Tak Putty to the back

Layered my calendar onto the paper, then onto the decorative cardstock

I put the new calendar on top of the old one and

placed the compelted new calendar into the frame....

By using the Velcro® White Tak Putty I can easily take these off and

use these same pieces next year if I want to....

since all the papers and decorative cardstock

match the photo in the calendar for each month.

Crafty Goodness Filled Mystery Boxes

2013-04-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

I have been cleaning out the studio again and have a dozen Mystery Boxes filled with Crafty Goodness ready to be shipped to new homes! Each of these boxes contain an assortment of new and/or older items and/or gently/slightly used scrapbook and rubber stamping supplies along with so many other goodies. I have several items that have been used in workshops so there may be a page or so missing from paper packs, the stamps have been stamped, embossing powder or glitter have been opened and used slightly, original packaging might be gone from some things but everything is in very good usable condition and waiting to be used. Every box will have a retail value of between $75 - $100, possibly more and will include something small hand made by me:)

These do come from a smoke-free home!

The boxes are AS IS. NO REFUNDS. NO RETURNS.

Shipping will be in a Medium Flat Rate box.

Sorry but this time I am shipping only within the US.

First come, First Serve.

Boxes are ready to go and will be shipped with 24 hours of payment.

Crafty Goodness Mystery Boxes are $30 + 12.00 shipping

Connie Crystal Doggie Collar

2013-03-27T00:00:00.000-05:00

Marty is my youngest daughters Yorkie, he is 4 years old and a bit spoiled by all of us. My daughter bought him a cute crystal bone charm so I thought I would create him a crystal collar to go along with it. You can create a one of a kind collar like this for your dog quickly and easily as this came together in under 1/2 hour.

To create you will need the following supplies:
Connie Crystal Crystal Spacers: 16 (for small dog)
Connie Crystal Pearl Bead: 16 blue (for small dog)
Lobster Claw with Large Hoop Closure
Beading Thread
Needle
Charm with jump ring (optional)
Round Nose Pliers (for jump ring and charm)
Bead Board
Beacon Tacky Glue
Scissor

You can find complete instructions on the Connie Crystal Blog for this project.....check it out.
Be Creative and have FUN!

Glitter Eggs with Velcro

2013-03-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

Here is a project I shared last Easter and love how it turned out I thought I would share it again since Easter is just around the corner.....

Give those inexpensive plastic eggs a new look quickly and easily with VELCRO® Brand Adhesive Dots and Glitter.....

Here is a before picture of some plastic eggs, you can find some that come in three pieces instead of two, which makes them rather cool to begin with....

But of course everything is better with glitter....I simply used the VELCRO® Brand Adhesive Dots; attached them to the eggs one or two at a time and sprinkled the glitter over them....I used a 1/2" Dynasty Powder Brush to brush away the excess glitter.

There are so many beautiful colors of glitteron the market today so Be Creative and Have Fun!

Mosaic Canvas with Unity Stamps

2013-03-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

There are so many beautiful decorative scrapbooking papers on the market these days it is a shame to hide them all away inside photo albums. This is why I tend to use decorative papers for things that are to be displayed. For this project you will want a decorative paper with a noticeable design. With a light background paper use a medium colored ink that coordinates well with the paper, for a darker background (as I used here) us a light colored ink.I was able to use the 1" square diamond stamp from my new line of Rubber Stamps which are from Unity Stamp Company on this project and I love the effect.....

Here is what I used to create this Mosaic Canvas:

Materials:

1” Diamonds & Plaid stamp set: Unity Stamp Company

Color Box® Crafter’s Ink: snow, sweet pea

Beacon™ Fast Finish Decoupage

Primed Canvas: 8” x 10”

Decorative Paper: 12” x 12” (1)

Tools:

KellyCraft Get-It-Straight Laser Square, Westcott Paper Trimmer, old paint brush, 2 – 4 blocks the height of canvas, 12” x 12” tray, heat gun

Complete instructions for this project can be found in the FREE downloadable Spring Issue of Bella Crafts Quarterly check it out here.

For more spring projects check out the FaveCrafts blog hop going on right now!

Bella Crafts Quarterly Spring Issue

2013-03-01T00:00:00.000-06:00

The Spring issue of Bella Crafts Quarterly is out.....
Have you gotten you copy yet?
It is a FREE digital download right to your computer, ipad or phone.....

Check it out today at Bella Crafts Quarterly this issue if filled with great craft projects and informative columns. Get you copy today!

Highlights CHA Show

2013-02-25T00:00:00.000-06:00

While at the Craft and Hobby Association Winter Trade Show last month in Anaheim, CA I was able to teach a demo-nar, lead a panel discussion, co-teach a workshop, film several segments for a new on-line crafting channel and demo for a few manufacturers. It was a busy wonderful show; although I never actually got a chance to walked the show floor so I did not see much of the show and I am still catching up.....but I have finally gathered some photos with friends from the show to share.....

Creative Girlfriend Cindy Shepard and me

Television Host/Creative Friend Steve Piacenza and me

Creative Girlfriend Lorine Mason and me

Creative Girlfriend Katie Hacker and me

Creative Girlfriend Candie Cooper and me in our traditional sideways photo

Creative Friend the Fabulous Ken Oliver and me

Creative Girlfriend Margo Potter and me

Traditional fun pose with Creative Friends Cliff and Andrea Currie and me

Creative Girlfriend Jing van Opstal and me

Creative Girlfriends and me at the KellyCraft Dinner from left to right:

Candice Windham, me, Jimbo Kelly (Owner of KellyCraft Innovations and Inventor of the Get-It Straight Laser Square), Cindi Bisson,

Lisa Rojas and Aaron Pichon (Owner of KellyCraft Innovations)

There are so many more friends who I had a chance to see and visit with and there are more photos somewhere.....if I get them I will post later!

Bracelet in Minutes

2013-02-19T00:00:00.000-06:00

Create this stunning bracelet in minutes using Connie Crystal pearls and Memory Wire from Beadalon

Get the complete instructions on the Connie Crystal Blog and while you are there check out some of the other great projects they have on the blog!

Wire Wrapped Wine Glasses

2013-02-04T00:00:00.000-06:00

Valentine's Day is right around the corner and crafting just got easier. Find out how easy it is to make these Wire Wrapped Wine Glasses.....

With complete instructions in the FREE Valentine's Issue of Bella Crafts Quarterly

This issue if filled with ideas perfect for Valentine's Day. Get your FREE downloadable copy today! Go to www.BellaCraftsQuarterly.com to check it out.

Stamped Jewelry Bag

2013-01-23T11:41:00.000-06:00

Check out this cute little jewelry bag Cindi Bisson created using my stamp line from Unity Stamp Company.

She used Clearsnap Crafters Ink, trim from Expo International, threads from Kreinik and Velcro for the closure.

Cindi was able to create this with left over supplies from the Demo-nar I taught at CHA Winter, now that is resourceful!

Mini ART Quilt with Unity Stamp Company

2013-01-19T23:05:00.000-06:00

While at the CHA Winter Show last week I taught a Demo-nar (Seminar/Workshop) where we created a mini ART Quilt

using my new line of stamps from Unity Stamp Company , the Get-It-Straight Laser Square from KellyCraft Innovations, Trims from Expo International, stamp pads from Clearsnap, threads from Kreinik, fabric glue from Beacon Adhesives, buttons from Buttons, Galore and More, Velcro® Brand Adhesives and no bake clay from Makin's.

Here are some of the projects that were done by the students in the Demo-nar:

The words were made with the Duetica Lettering System printed out on muslin.

I love how the students also used the squares to create a border.

Each one turned out a bit different.....

The flowers were made from die cut paper towels.....

Here is a great use of the stamps.....adorable houses!

Be sure to check out my new stamp line at Unity Stamp Company.

Bella Crafts Valentine's Issue

2013-01-08T13:31:00.000-06:00

Get a head start on your crafting projects for Valentine's Day with Bella Crafts: be sure to download your FREE copy today:

Celebrate Love Valentine Issue

By Bella Crafts in Bella Crafts Quarterly Special Editions

40 pages

I have a NEW Stamp Line

2013-01-05T15:43:00.001-06:00

I am happy to announce that

I have a NEW Stamp Line called "Faux Quilting"

with Unity Stamp Co

these are debuting at the CHA Show next week and

will be available at Unity Stamp Co

I will be posting projects soon!

Happy New Year Necklace

2012-12-31T00:00:00.000-06:00

Ring in the New Year with a beautiful Stamped Metal and Crystal Necklace that can be worn all year!

Supplies:

Connie Crystal 8 mm Faceted Crystal

Open Heart Charm from Impress Art

Jeanie Metal Number Stamps by Impress Art

Stamping Block

Hammer

Crop-a-dile

Jump Ring

Head Pin

Pre-made chain

Round Nose Pliers

Black Paint

Baby Wipe

Stamp "2013" onto heart

To make numbers pop apply paint onto numbers wiping excess with baby wipe.

Punch hole into charm with crop-a-dile.

Place crystal onto head pin.

Bend pin to one side, wrap wire around round nose pliers to form loop.

Wrap wire back to crystal to secure.

Place crystal and charm onto jump ring then place onto chain.