Creativity Stirs The Soul

Shout out for Carol Heppner

2012-05-31T23:29:00.000-05:00

I have been busy catching up in my studio this week after a few weeks away while travel teaching; I still want to be able to share something with you here on my blog. Today I am sharing a link to my creative girlfriend Carol Heppner's beautiful projects using VELCRO® brand fasteners. Carol has an elegant style and her work is stunning.

As you can tell by the above photo....

Please check out her site here for some beautiful eye candy and great projects!

Basics of Rubber Stamping

2012-05-29T18:59:00.001-05:00

My creative girlfriend Lisa Rojas wrote an article "Rubber Stamping for the First Time" on her blog recently and with her permission I am sharing her link with you after all she is known at "The Stampin Queen" and I feel it is always good to get back to the basics from time to time.....

In her article she also has instructions for the card pictured above....Enjoy!

Tile Coasters "Quick and Easy"

2012-05-23T09:33:00.000-05:00

Looking for a "Quick and Easy" gift to make that is also inexpensive.....then these coasters are the perfect craft because you can make several quickly and easily.

Supplies:

Beacon Fast Finish Decoupage

Scrapbook Paper

4 1/4" x 4 1/4" Ceramic Tiles

Beacon Felt Glue

Felt

Ribbon

Tools:

Paint Brush, Scissor, Ruler

Get out your supplies, cut you paper 4" x 4" for each tile; this will leave a nice white boarder.

Apply Fast Finish Decoupage to the tile and the back of the paper.

Place paper on top of tile.

Smooth out with fingers to get out any air bubbles, let dry.

Apply Fast Finish Decoupage on top with brush.

Then smooth out with your fingers; going all the way to the edges. Let Dry and repeat 3 or 4 times.

Cut felt 4" x 4" and glue to the bottom of tile with Beacon Felt Glue.

Make in sets of 4 and wrap with ribbon and once tied up with a pretty bow they are ready for gift giving!

Since they are so "Quick and Easy" to make be sure to keep one set for yourself!

Setting up a BOOTH at a Trade Show

2012-05-16T10:43:00.000-05:00

Last week I attended the NAMTA (International Art Materials Association) Show in Orlando, Fl with Earth Safe Finishes. I took a few photos while setting up the booth to give you an idea of the process.

When we (Nancy Burkhart; the owner of ESF and myself) first arrived at the convention center we found our booth....it had our name and booth number on the backdrop along with three tables in the space (they were still setting up the booths which is why there was an extra table in our space as we had ordered two not three). We set down the boxes which we brought in with us and went to get the rest of our supplies.

The first thing to go up is the Earth Safe Finishes banner on the center of the backdrop. This is a feat in itself considering there are no ladders around, we were able to locate a couple of chairs to stand on to get the banner in place.

Then the process of deciding what else will be hung (you will notice in later photos we did remove the samples that are under the banner as we did not like how they looked and found a better place for them; also that's Nancy in the photos).

Next we covered the tables with black and started unpacking everything; determining which area they go in.

Thus creating a bit of mess in the process....

We also spilled over into the booth next to us when one of our sales reps came by and dropped of some samples she created for the booth.

The display table started coming together quite nicely .

We started working on the demo table....

Added some finishing touches with a small display on the floor using the suitcase we brought things in with and covering it with black fabric to match the tables.

We decided to move the art from under the banner to either side of the sign on the demo table although we did not have a secure way to keep them up....so we headed to a store....

Picked up some VELCRO® brand Sticky Back Fasteners

Which worked perfect for hanging these items to the front of the demo table....

After 5 hours the booth is set up and looks great....we are ready for the 8:30 am start of the show the next morning.

Here is a photo of Nancy and me....it was an AWESOME show; it seems people are finally getting the concept of Earth Safe Finishes which have no VOC's, no BPA or Heavy Metals....they are water based and easy clean up, you are able to mix your own colors and the products go on everything: wood, paper, plastic, fabric, metal....they are great products!

ImpressArt Metal Stamps Blog Hop

2012-05-12T00:30:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the first ImpressArt Metal Stamps Blog Hop....if you have never tried metal stamps before you will be impressed with the great ideas my creative friends have come up with....and you will want to check out the ImpressArt Metal Stamps web site to see all they have to offer as you are going to want to try these for yourself....there are so many things you can do besides working on metal, these stamps work awesome with clay, mat board and stamping....

For my project I decided to make a name tag for my daughters dog (Marty)....he had just gone to the vet two weeks before I created this as he was having some health problems and he could not see out of his right eye so we thought he was going blind; we got him on some medication and his eye problem seems to be getting better and he is getting back to his normal playful self....which is wonderful!

Here is is modeling the name tag....I have to admit I took about a dozen pictures and he sat so still and good the entire time.....

Here is how I made his name tag:

Supplies:

-ImpressArt Alphabet Stamp Set, Jeanie, uppercase

-ImpressArt Metal Stamping Blank; Offset Washer, 7/8"; Brass

-ImpressArt Metal Stamping Hammer

-ImpressArt Steel Stamping Block

-ImpressArt Stamp Straight Tape

-Rhinestones (self adhesive)

-Sharpie Marker, Black

-Jump Ring

-Pliers (optional)

-Paper Towel

How-to:

I gathered my supplies together...

I taped my blank to the stamping block and decided where I wanted to place the name....

I got out the letters of "Marty's" name and placed them in order by the stamping block....I choose to start with the letter "R" and work to the left and right to easily space out his name.....

Once his entire name was stamped I colored over it with a black sharpie marker....

I quickly wiped it off with a paper towel....

I added rhinestones in the shape of an "M" near the top of the blank and placed on a jump ring....

I then placed it onto his collar; it looks great along with his rhinestone bone charm......

He looks so proud and this was so quick and easy to make for him....once you work with ImpressArt Metal Stamps you will find so many creative ways to use them in your projects! Be sure to check out the rest of the blog hop by clicking on the Designer Craft Connection logo on the right of my blog!

ImpressArt Metal Stamps is also having a CONTEST where you will be able to enter to WIN

an AWESOME Assortment of ImpressArt products.....with the Grand Prize valued at up to $120.00 and contains:

1- ImpressArt alphabet set of the winner's choice

1- ImpressArt Steel Stamping Block, small

1- ImpressArt Metal Stamping Hammer

1- ImpressArt Stamp Straight Tape

An Assortment of metal discs

So check it out by clicking here and following the directions! Have fun checking out the blog hop and I hope you win this Fabulous PRIZE!

Jewelry Theme for Designer Craft Connection

2012-05-07T03:48:00.000-05:00

The Designer Craft Connection Blog Hop is all about quick and easy jewelry this month! So I thought I would get out my Cool2Cast again and create some quick and easy jewelry. I love how easy Tiffany Windsor makes it looks when she demo's it on Cool2Craft you would never think that is was a fiber plaster....

I got out my package of Cool2Cast

a measuring cup, water and

a plastic zip lock bag.

I measured the Cool2Cast and water

into the zip lock bag.

Mixed to to a pancake like batter...

I poured it into molds...

It only took about an hour

for the Cool2Cast to set...

Then I popped them out of the molds.

I sanded down the edges just a bit;

Then I got out crayons, inks, paints and stamps

it was so quick and easy to color them...

then I added dimensional glaze on the top,

let that dry and added some glaze to the sides...

then I glued them to a bail and placed them on a
pre-made ribbon necklace for quick and easy
jewelry pieces!

Follow the Designer Craft Blog Connection link to the right to see the many creative jewelry projects by the DCC Designers as part of this month's hop!

Be sure to visit again this Saturday, May 12th when the ImpressArt Metal Stamps Designer Craft Blog connection hop goes live - you'll find creative ways to use ImpressArt metal stamps on your projects!

Crafting: May Day Baskets

2012-04-27T16:10:00.000-05:00

The first day of the month of May is traditionally known as “May Day” and is celebrated in many places around the world. There are many traditions and stories surrounding May Day and may vary depending upon where you live. The one thing that is similar in most of the celebrations is the use of “flowers”. Gathering flowers became a tradition and “bringing in the May” (as some would call it) became a popular activity for May 1^st.

Today baskets are often made and filled with fresh picked flowers (and sometimes goodies) to be placed on the doorknob of friends and neighbors. The trick is to leave the basket on the doorknob, knock on the door and get away quickly leaving the surprise to be found. This surprise gesture is an expression of the joy of gift giving with the added bonus that you get to be the anonymous gift giver.

May Day Baskets can be made easily and inexpensively with a variety of items. When I was younger I remember making them out of construction paper with pipe cleaners for the handle. Today there are so many beautiful scrapbooking card stock papers available and one 12” x 12” sheet can easily make 4 small May Day Baskets.

To get started you will need:

Supplies:

· One 12” x 12” Card Stock Paper

· 2 yards ribbon

· Small hole punch

· Small bouquet of flowers from your garden

· Scissor, ruler, pencil, stapler, paper towel, plastic wrap.

Instructions:

1. Measure and cut 12” x 12” card stock into four 6” x 6” pieces.

2. With one 6”x6” piece overlap opposite corners and roll to form a cone; staple in place; this becomes the front.

3. Punch a hole on the sides ½” down; thread one end of an 18” piece of ribbon through one side, knot and repeat for other side; this forms the handle.

4. Wrap small bouquet of flowers with damp paper towel, wrap with plastic wrap and place into cone.

5. Repeat with other 3 pieces of card stock to make 4 baskets.

Tips & Tricks:

· When you place your bouquet into the basket adjust the flowers to cover the staple in the front.

· If you do not have a stapler you can use tape or glue; if using glue use a clothespin to hold in place until dry.

· If you do not have any flowers go to a nursery and buy some small starter plants and place in there.

· If you do not have a hole punch you can staple or glue the handle in place.

· If you do not have plastic wrap use foil or a small sandwich bag.

· Be sure to use Decorative Card Stock no paper.

· You can use 8 ½” x 11 card stock and make 2 smaller baskets that are 5 ½” x 5 ½”.

Get Creative for Earth Day

2012-04-19T01:14:00.000-05:00

It’s almost Earth day (April 22nd, 2012) and my creative friend Jen Goode is hosting her first official “Find Your Direction” link party for 100Directions.com with an Earth Day inspired theme. Think GREEN, recycling, re-purposing and all around earth friendly fun. To check it out go to her site here....you will find links below her post of other designers who are sharing a recycled project....mine is my Magazine Purse which is almost at 40,000 hits on you tube! check it out!

Shout Out for Lorine Mason

2012-04-18T06:00:00.002-05:00

My creative friend Lorine Mason writes the Sewing Savvy Newsletter and this past week she sent me a photo of

these fabulous pillow she did using one of my favorite products....VELCRO® Brand Fasteners to see the entire project and get the directions click here! While you are there sign up for her newsletter, it comes out every three weeks and is filled with great information and projects!

A Place to Bark Fundraiser!

2012-04-17T00:01:00.011-05:00

Live from CHA Summer Show 2012 is raising money for A Place To Bark through a raffle

Here is a little information about A PLACE TO BARK

A PLACE TO BARK is a no kill foster and adoption rescue dedicated to the welfare of animals and was founded by Bernie Berlin. Established in 2001, they mainly work with Animal Control Agencies, rescuing animals from high kill shelters and fostering them until they are healthy. This provides an ideal situation for the animals. They are then placed for adoption through Humane Societies in various parts of the country. They cover all costs for the medical care of the animals with no cost to the Humane Societies. They also handle some private adoptions after a strict screening process.

The event will be held at the CHA Summer Show in Chicago

July 17 & 18th, 2012
10am - 6pm daily Chicago time

Recorded footage to watch whenever you like- All you need is an internet connection

The raffle tickets are $10 for 1 ticket or $20 for 5 tickets....but wait there's more....if you buy $20 in tickets by TODAY April 17 you will get 5 BONUS tickets! With these tickets you will have a chance to win prizes worth more that $4500! To purchase your raffle tickets check out the Charity Wings Website.

During the LIVE event there will be interviews & giveaways from more than 45 different Manufacturers and Designers; I will be one of the Designers being interviewed! Participants do not need to be present to WIN!

Crop-a-Dile 2 Product Review

2012-04-16T03:07:00.001-05:00

How many times have you bought tools and products because they were the next big thing, on sale or just a got to have item…and then placed them safely away in your studio without ever exploring what they really do? We all have them, we know they are there but then forget about them because they are safely tucked away. Keep those tools and products out in the open so they are easy to grab when you need them.

A Crop-a-Dile 2 BIG BITE is one of those must have tools yet if you have one where did you place it? Is it safely tucked away? You know you have it and it is something you will use but you safely tucked it away in the wonderful case that came with it when you brought it home and basically forgot about it. You remember you had it after you had tried many other ways to punch holes into different projects and then you think oh that’s right why didn’t I get out my Big Bite…well it’s time to get itoput and actually place it on one of your work stations and find out just how great it is and why you bought it in the first place.

So Let’s Explore the Possibilities of the “Crop-a-Dile 2 BIG BITE”

What an amazing tool this is…it can punch holes easily in paper, leather, fabric, CD’s, tin, chipboard, mat board, Makin’s No BakePolymer Clay, book covers and more. It has a 6” depth so you can punch anywhere. Making holes as small as 1/8” and as large as 3/16”. In addition to punching holes it sets eyelets, snaps and grommets.

If you have your Crop-a-Dile 2 BIG BITE out on your work station you will always be reaching for it in your design work.

This is what I found once I got out my Crop-a-Dile 2 BIG BITE from it's safely tucked away place.....it punches like butter and makes quick work of making holes, setting eyelets, snaps and grommets. What was I thinking by keeping it in the box safely put away! Do you have a Big Bite? If so get it out on your work station....you will be happy you did!

101 Ways to use Velcro

2012-04-12T23:56:00.001-05:00

If you have been reading my blog for a while you know that I love VELCRO® Brand Fasteners and use them in many of my projects....why do I love them so much? One reason is because I can make things "Changeable" and it is so cool....some of the things I have done changeable are:

flip flops

necklaces

Photos

just to name a few. The ideas are really limitless.....VELCRO® Brand Fasteners have a wide assortment of products and the other day I came across: 101 Ways to use Velcro on the Michaels web site and thought I would share it with you....click here to check it out!

The Basics of Taking Good Pictures

2012-04-12T00:17:00.002-05:00

Taking good pictures or great pictures is something we all want to be able to do....below is a blog post with great tips from my friend Lisa Rojas :

Every good scrapbooker knows that the first step to a great scrapbook page is a great picture. Because let’s face it, your pictures are the main focus of your scrapbook pages. You can place all the wonderful pattern papers, stickers and embellishments on your pages, but if you start with a bad photo, none of those things matter. It’s all about the picture. So let’s discuss a few things that will enable you to take better pictures.

Know Your Camera- This may seem painfully obvious, but think about it. How many people do you know who actually read the owner’s manual that comes with all new cameras? Usually, when we purchase a new camera, we just play around with it. Start off right and learn your camera’s features.

Use Your Tripod- This little gadget really does help in taking good pictures. Besides, with a tripod you can be in the pictures you’re taking instead of always being behind the camera.

Use Your Macro Mode- This feature helps you to take beautiful close-ups of your subject. I use mine to take the pictures of the projects I design. It shows all the wonderful small features that you might miss in the normal mode.

Simplify Your Backgrounds- By removing all the excess clutter in your pictures, you can better achieve making your subject the true focal point of your pictures.

Here are the Top 10 Tips from Kodak

Get down on your subject’s level
Use a plain background
Use your flash outdoors
Move in close to your subject
Take some vertical pictures
Lock the focus
Move your set object from the middle
Know your flash’s range
Watch the light
Be a picture director

Free E-Book "Baby Love" from Red Heart Yarns

2012-04-10T23:58:00.000-05:00

If you knit or crochet or know someone who knits or crochets this FREE eBook is for you...it is filled with 25 patterns for babies....from Red Heart Yarns! This is a FREE 38 page eBook just click on this link and you can download patterns for baby hats, afghans, booties, toys and more....check it out!

Shout out for Marisa Pawelko

2012-04-10T00:14:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to my creative girlfriend Marisa Pawelko for her Awesome Clutch Purse design that she created for Duck Tape to promote the Stuck At Prom Scholarship Contest! It is now featured by Seventeen Magazine in the video posted below....Check it out!!!!!

Also featuring fabulous VELCRO® brand fasteners and Westcott Brand Westcott Brand Cutting Tools!!!

Buttons Galore and More Blog Hop....

2012-04-09T02:41:00.003-05:00

Welcome to the Buttons Galore and More Blog Hop....there are nine of us participating in the blog hop featuring a new line of fabric by Laura Kelly and buttons dyed to match the fabric line by Buttons Galore and More.....

Above is a photo of the fabric and buttons I received along with some trims....when I saw this fun fabric I thought it would be great to make my grandson something to go along with his pirate costume but the fabric piece I got was only about 10" x 18" so there was not enough to make what I had in mind for him.....

So I thought of several things to do but was not happy with any of them so with the help of my husband (who came up with the bear idea) I found this little bear in a tote of stuffed animals from when our kids were little....

I got out my Kreinik Thread Sampler since it had a great lime green wired thread in there which would be perfect for what I had in mind and matched the fabric....

I got some black felt to make a pair of pirate pants and put them together quickly and easily using Beacon Fabri-Tac

I put the pants onto the bear and tied the waist with the wired thread from Krenik; which worked great because the wire was so easy to wrap and tie and held the pants up perfectly....so cool!

Then I got started on the vest which I cut out from the Laura Kelly fabric and put together using Fabri-Tac by Beacon for both the back...

and the front of the vest.

Then I got out my VELCRO® Brand Fabric Fusion for the closure of the vest and to make it easy to put on and take off.

You use an iron with the VELCRO® Brand Fabric Fusion; follow the directions on the package.

I put thread through three buttons and then glued them onto the front of the vest with Fabri-Tac by Beacon. I made sleeves out of white felt and used the Kreinik wire thread to tie off the edges of the sleeves by the wrist (you will see in completed photo).

I cut out a doubled hat shape from felt and cut out one of the flags from the Laura Kelly fabric to use on the front on the hat, I put this together with Fabri-Tac by Beacon.

I made an eye patch out of a button and some more of the wired thread I made a wired hoop earring and put a chain around his neck.....he turned out so cute!

Here is a photo of the back of him sitting in the wagon, showing a great view of what the fabric is all about!

Now for the details of the Blog Hop: There are 2 (Two) PRIZES that will be given away so to win one of the prizes check out the rest of the hop and leave a comment on the Buttons Galore and More Blog stating which project was your favorite! Here is the stops on the hop:

Elise - http://mamacowcreations.blogspot.com
Cristal - www.blueyecicle.blogspot.com
Keri Lee - www.pinklemonade.typepad.com
Laura B - http://www.katydiddys.blogspot.com
Niki- www.nikimeiners.wordpress.com
Jen- www.100directions.com
Allie -http://welltrainedpaper.blogspot.com/
Buttons Galore and More Blog - http://www.buttonsgaloreandmore.com/blog
Ann - http://www.creativitystirsthesoul.com/ (you are here)

Enjoy!!

Check out these COOL Rainbow Easter Eggs

2012-04-06T00:01:00.003-05:00

I found these cool Rainbow Easter Eggs on a blog called Thrive....I thought this would be great to share since EASTER is this weekend and she has a tutorial for making them on her site also.....

Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Easter!

How To Video Beaded Bookmarks

2012-04-05T00:30:00.000-05:00

Here is my video for beaded bookmarks; they are quick and easy to make and give a gifts...

Bunny Bag on the Cool2Craft Easter Show

2012-04-04T00:01:00.009-05:00

This past Monday the Cool2Craft Web TV Show had a great show dedicated to Easter Crafts....these are quick and easy projects that you can still make in time for Easter....

One of which is this adorable Bunny Bag made by my creative girlfriend Tiffany Windsor. You can check out the replay of the show by going to the Cool2Craft web site; the show replays 24 hours a day until the following Monday when the new show airs!

Free E-Books for Easter

2012-04-03T01:32:00.001-05:00

Just in time to help you get ready for Easter 2 FREE eBooks for you: "8 Easter Sewing Projects" and "Easter Eggs" from FaveCrafts!

"8 Easter Sewing Projects" has 8 cute & simple sewing projects that you still have time to make this week for Easter! Plus it is FREE so click here to download!

"Easter Eggs: Easter Egg Design, Tips for Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs & Egg Recipes" is full of fun ideas for Easter. You will learn how to make your own Easter Egg Dye and get tips on how to cook hard boiled eggs. This eBook is a collaboration of FaveCrafts and RecipeLion and includes recipes for your hard boiled eggs!
Check it out here and get it FREE!

DIY Craft: Glitter up those Easter Eggs

2012-04-02T02:30:00.001-05:00

It is the First Monday of the Month and time for another Designers Craft Connection Blog Hop. The theme this month is Spring and since Easter is right around the corner I thought now would be a good time to update those Plastic Easter Eggs that we all have left over from years past. You can give them an update quickly and easily with VELCRO® Brand Adhesive Dots and Glitter.....

Here is a before picture of some eggs from last year, they came 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.

I did each of these three a bit different and they turned out great....so now to do the other 21 I have sitting here in time for Easter next weekend!

To hop around and see some other great spring time projects just click on the Designers Craft Connection Icon on the right side of my blog.

Buttons Galore and More Pin It To Win It Contest!

2012-03-30T00:01:00.003-05:00

Everyone loves a contest and the chance to win FREE products....Buttons Galore & More is having a "Pin It To Win It" contest....It is a chance for you to share your favorite Button Projects....

check out the Buttons Galore & More blog for full details on the contest and your chance to WIN!

Changes.....

2012-03-29T00:01:00.001-05:00

Over the next few weeks (or maybe months) you will be seeing some changes in my blog as I try to give it a new look....so don't be alarmed if you see some strange things as I will be adjusting and tweaking as I go along.....

I will continue to post Monday - Friday but will also be adding some great new features as I will be doing:
Book Reviews
Product Reviews
Monthly (or more) Give a Ways
& have some more awesome projects by GUEST Designers.....
so stay tuned....

Contest: WIN a Sizzix Die

2012-03-28T01:03:00.001-05:00

On Monday I posted a project for the Sizzix Spring Linky which takes you around to several

blogs with Sizzix Spring Projects posted to inspire you....my project

was this post it note holder made from Makin's Clay

To enter to WIN

The Fringed Flower die,

leave a comment on my blog for Monday's Post (click here) then head over to
Eileen Hull's blog and check out all of the projects visit each blog and leave a comment....

Then go back Eileen's blog to let her know which is your favorite project. She will pick a winner on Thursday night.

Pretty Paper Purses: A Shout our for Lisa Rojas

2012-03-27T01:00:00.000-05:00

My Creative Girlfriend

Lisa Rojas

does beautiful detailed projects

and it is all those little details

that make a project great....

Pictured above are

Note Cards with Butterfly Purse

Pictured above here are

Note Cards with Ivy Purse

For a complete supply list and

instructions for both of these projects

check out this link to Lisa's Blog!

ENJOY!