Hangnailz n' Papercutz

#iminthemood4luvsimplybecuz...

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:40:00 +0000

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Candy Cane DSP, Real Red textured cs, Chocolate Chip cs, Blushing Bride cs, Real Red classic ink, Friend by Definition (?) BG stamp, Blushing Bride pleated satin ribbon, Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon, Love Impressions rub-ons, Martha Stewart heart trim punch, Spellbinders circle dies, White Opal Liquid Pearls, Cuttlebug hearts embossing folder, basic jewels, corked borosilicate glass test tubes.

I'm in the MOOD FOR LOVE, simply because there are so many YUMMY craftensils at my fingertips. I was over-the-moon for the Occasions Mini and bought almost everything. You'll see alot more in these days leading up to my third favorite holiday....after 1. Christmas and 2. Thanksgiving!
Just to name a few...I'm in LOVE with P.S. I Love You stamps, the large doily die (although, it takes some serious patience or a barrage of cuss words to perform the tedious job of picking the paper out of the die), the scented embossing powders, Sweet Shop Suite, Candy Conversations stamps, and the pleated satin ribbon! The other thing that fills my heart with gladness is getting to eat the candy colors that don't work with the project at hand.....IE. dark pink M&M's when you only need the light pink, white, and red. The white cremed Oreos when you only need the pink cremed ones, and the red foil Kisses when you only want the silver and the pink. I usually gain 15 lbs. in February alone!

XOXOX TEST TUBE HOLDER

I buy my borosilicate glass test tubes off evilBay from sellers who divide up bulk into more manageable numbers. It is certainly more economical to buy a case, but I don't really want 144 test tubes lying around at any given time. There REALLY IS a such thing as TOO MUCH of a good thing. I think I paid $5 for 15 corked tubes. The instructions for the darling little test tube holders are provided by Lisa Somerville here on SCS. I would venture to add that the size of the hole you punch to stand the tubes in should be as tight a fit as possible or they will lean and tip the holder over. I put a glue dot on the bottom of each tube and punched a very snug hole for them to stand straight.

I modified it a bit with the band of Chocolate Chip cs which served the purpose of allowing me more room for the Love Impressions rub-ons. I really love these rub-ons...they are so cute, cute, cute!

Changing the color across the top strip where the tubes are inserted actually made it photograph better and then of course it opened up the possibility of finding a place on such a small project to ink up that rubber! I'm not sure if this stamp is Friend by Definition or not....I don't have the original clam shell case or an older catalog for reference. Yes, I lost all my older Stampin' UP! catalogs in the floods after last summer's hurricane. Boo hoo! If anybody has 2000-2006/7...I'm interested?

I KNOW! Applying White Opal Liquid Pearls over top of the rub-on clouds was GENIUS and GORGEOUS! It really pops IRL and my camera was trying to be one with me today and cooperate. Let's hope the phenomena continues, huh? The Stampin' UP! pleated satin ribbon is really, really, beautiful. Better than I could have ever done with my sewing machine, so I have to say it is a MUST HAVE in all the colors. I have all 4.

The Stampin' UP! Basic Jewels are extra sparkly and are my first GOTO, but sometimes I have to cheat when Recollections from Michael's has BLING in all kinds of shapes...like these hearts that just magically fit perfectly with my Martha Stewart punch.

I got this adorable SCS stamp for participating in the challenges on the Fan Club Forum...if you haven't joined yet, what are you waiting for? You get to see SNEAK PEAKS and participate in all the Fan Club challenges! A fun thing to do when you're in need of motivation and guidance....which I frequently am!

A Valentine Birthday!

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Heart Treat Cups, Candy Lane DSP, Riding Hood Red cs, Blushing Bride cs (yes, I know that Pink Pirouette was the palette, but I'mma rebel), Bella Birds DSP, Twitterpated buttons, Beachfront ribbon originals, Riding Hood Red/Very Vanilla 1 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, Very Vanilla hodgepodge, Well Scripted Stamps, Early Espresso classic ink, Love Impressions rub-ons, large doily die, adhesive rhinestones.

When February rolls around, I have so many fond memories. 16 years ago, my husband and I were dating and spent our first Valentine's Day together. It was one of those experiences that we both look back on as one of the happiest times. That same night, my grandfather passed on after a long and tortured battle with color cancer. He never got to meet the man that became my husband, but I like to think that his passing was a welcome respite from great pain and he had the opportunity to be happy for me from the beyond. My grandmother was born in February and she was my entire world until she passed when I was 10. That is a loss I have never recovered from....many years later as an adult, I met a woman who embodies her spirit in every way, has been an incredible source of support and approval, and is very special to me. This card is for her February birthday along with wishes for a very happy 74th year.

HELL BENT on actually eating the candy don't have to rip the card to shreds to get to it. I couldn't let my hard work go to waste over 6 measly candy corns, could you?

A Spice Cake Valentine

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Very Vanilla cs, Early Espresso cs, Spice Cake DSP, large doily die, designer label punch, Holiday Best stamps, Pool Party ruffled ribbon, Early Espresso quilted satin ribbon, P.S. I Love You stamps, Spice Cake buttons, Linen BG stamp, SMOOCH, Early Espresso classic ink, Pool Party classic ink, Stampin' Write Markers, Stickles, adhesive half pearls.

I'm really happy with the way the button element turned out. I think it is cute and I can appreciate kind of putting together my own embellishment. SMOOCH sprays are faaabulous...especially the gold and Blushing Bride. As always, thanks for stopping by...ENJOY!

how sweet it IS 2b luv'd by U!

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:48:00 +0000

Altered Pepperidge Farm Pirouette tin

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Sweet Shop DSP, Indigo Island ruffled ribbon, Calypso Coral ruffled ribbon, eyelet trim border punch, Top Note die, Island Indigo cs, Sweet Cake stamps, Mouthwatering stamps, Dazzling Details, Calypso Coral classic ink, Soft Suede classic ink, Lucky Limeade classic ink, Stampin' Write Markers, Crystal Effects, Sweet Shop Jellybean brads, Everyday Enchantment organdy 1/8" ribbon, INCOLOR printed designer brads, Doodlebug Sugar Glitter, liquid pearls, Distress Stickles, Spellbinders labels die, Pepperidge Farm Pirouettes tin.

It is never hard to do a project that starts off with buying something yummy, like Pirouettes, and then having to eat them all to get the container! Me love cookies! They are perfect with coffee and now I have a decorative tin filled with kisses to feed my late-night crafting cravings.

Now this Stampin' UP! Sweet Shop Suite stuff takes a little getting used to. There are so many products (the stamps, the DSP, the brads, the ribbon), it can all get a bit overwhelming. I just keep telling myself that these colors are meant to coordinate and stop fighting the instinct to separate them. This is one suite where it can be OVER-THE-TOP and more is better.

Bring on the medallions, ribbons, brads, glitter, crystal effects, and Dazzling Details!

This is where we started....

I used alcohol spritz on the ice cream stamp to give the chocolate some character and then glazed with Crystal effects. The Sweet Shop jellybean brads are adorable! The waffle texture of the cone was created with Scattered Straw Distress Stickles and the creamy icing of the cupcake is White Opal Liquid Pearls.

Mini medallions are too cute! Using a glue gun you can affix the brad to the center and it makes such an adorable embellishment. I used Crystal effects to shine up my popsicle and Doodlebug Sugars to glitter the cupcake wrapper and words, "SO SWEET".

Message In a Bottle

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Sending Love DSP, Beachfront ribbon originals, P.S. I Love You stamps, Occasions Alpha stamps, Dazzling Details, Pretty in Pink classic ink, Real Red classic ink, Very Vanilla cs, Very Vanilla Velvet trim, Pretty in Pink 1/8" ribbon, Sending Love epoxy brads, Pretty in Pink Corduroy buttons, Candy Conversations stamps, Crystal Effects, Tim Holtz Distress ink, adhesive half pearls. 1.25 corked bottle from Michael's.

This is what I did for my kids for Valentine's Day! My daughter is 13 and my son is 8. They think my crafting is pretty cool, but they sometimes complain that it takes me away from them. I can appreciate that sentiment, but when I go down the list of things they participate in, I feel completely justified in having my ONE hobby that I love.
I have handwritten messages to insert in the bottles for both of them. Sort of a summary of my love for them up until this point and all the wonderful things I see in them. I hope it will become something they read over and over. I noticed a few months ago that my son holds on to everything I've ever given him. He has most of the handcrafted cards I've made for him and other things that have my handwriting on it. (Awww, so sweet). He also comes into my bedroom and sprays my perfume on his pillow or blanket (this is why my Chanel Coco Mademoiselle is out of sight) occasionally. I leave out a bottle of the cheap stuff expressly for this purpose, lol! My older child is a lot more independent and sophisticated. She can appreciate sentiment, but it has to be something genuinely unique to grab her attention. I hope this is it and that they have these words from my heart for years to come. At least until the embellishments fall off.

Message in a Bottle Valentine's Gift Girl

Message in a Bottle Valentine's Gift Boy

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Botanical Gazette DSP, Early Espresso quilted satin ribbon, Bugs and Kisses stamps, P.S. I Love You stamps, Marina Mist cs, Early Espresso classic ink, Marina Mist classic ink, Stampin' Write Markers, Candy Conversations stamps, Marina Mist taffeta ribbon, Stickles, fine glitter, googly eyes.

I really, really, struggled to make it look masculine! Every inch of me wanted pinks, ruffles, glitter, buttons, brads.... My DH is always wagging a finger at me because my DS really did seem like our other daughter for awhile there. He was young and he loved for his sister to dress him up like Belle from Beauty and the Beast or Cinderella and I thought, "Hey why can't Cinderella be a fella?" Well, he just can't! Eventually you have to let them grow up and put on pants. I can still see this angelic boy in a droopy diaper and a tutu, sitting on the floor eating a banana. ***sniff sniff**

The finishing touches...

Nature Lover's Box

5 3/4 x 4 x2 1/2" unfinished paper mache box.

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Botanical Gazette DSP, Baja Breeze seam binding, Marina Mist Taffeta ribbon, paper daisies, Hand Penned Holidays, eyelet trim border punch, linen thread, Early Espresso classic ink, Vintage Brads, SMOOCH, So Saffron classic reinker, Elementary Elegance stamps, Bliss stamps, Cherry Cobbler classic ink, Tim Holtz Distress inks, Stickles, antique keys.

Wanted to do something to make the eggs stand out, so I gave them texture with Stickles and tonality with 2 blues. I borrowed the ideas for the 3 banners from Erika (InkyPinkies)...in her words, "If one banner is good than more is better!"

DECADENT Guilt-FREE Recipe!

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 19:25:00 +0000

It's now early afternoon on the 1st Day of 2012 and one of TWO things has invariably happened already. You're either still walking around with tight pants and leg warmers on, nibbling on celery sticks, pita chips, hummus, spackle, drywall, dirt....whatever you healthy types subsist on....OR, you immediately got up this morning, had a huge bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, 2 pieces of toast slathered in butter, and washed that down with a COKE before you realized, CRAP! My Resolutions! Oh well, better luck in 2013!
I know the guilt will dig at you, but you can easily shake it off with my Guilt-Free recipe.

Decadent Guilt-Free Recipe
2 cups of COURAGE TO TELL YOUR GIRLFRIENDS YOU DON'T WANT TO DIET!
1/2 cup REALISTIC GOALS
1 oz. SELF-RESPECT
2 tablespoons of an ALTERNATE PLAN
1 SENSE OF SELF, minced
5 tsp. COMMON SENSE
a pinch of LAUGHTER
a sprig of GOOD ATTITUDE

Mix until smooth, spoon into dish, and garnish all pretty.

Cooking with Wine

Supplies: Stampin 'UP! Calypso Coral cs, Calypso Coral classic ink, Early Espresso classic ink, Friend by Definition BG stamp, Sweet Shop DSP, Artistic Etchings stamps, Dazzling Details, liquid pearls, polka-dot organdy ribbon, ric-rac trim, Spellbinders Labels die.

FAT PEOPLE ARE HARDER TO KIDNAP

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Pennant Builder punch, Sweet Shop DSP, Soft Suede cs, Calypso Coral cs, Domestic Goddess DSP, Martha Stewart heart trim punch, scalloped edge border punch, Calypso Coral classic ink, Polka-dot BG stamp, scalloped trim border punch, Crystal Effects, Just Perfect Alpha, Clear Tinsel Trim, Stickles, small circle punch, rivercityrubberworks.com sentiment stamp.

Out with the FOLD....in with the GLUE!

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:32:00 +0000

Looking back on 2011 and beyond, I don't wish to make any sweeping changes. I'm going to settle on doing what I always do. Distinctly idiosyncratic, boldly, unintentionally direct, and purposefully offensive. On the surface, at first glance it looks normal, but further investigation will reveal something peculiar. That thing that CLICKS and says, "Oh yeah....Danyelle has had her hands all over this!" It is going to be a bit off-kilter, mildly humorous, and a little abrasive! Crafting is the only arena where I'm willing to exercise the futility of a few New Year's Resolutions. Resolutions only work for people who are dedicated, goal driven, and structured. I fall short on thrice counts. I don't really care enough about most things to give them blinding focus, I'm constantly juggling any number of pursuits (rational or not), and I never live structured. I don't do agendas, schedules, routines, instructions, recipes, guidelines...all the things that make you a slave to some stupid device to remind you of all your really structured crap. I also pride myself in being able to walk away from anything. I know I have often called many crafty things an "addiction", but that is actually a falsehood because I loathe the idea of addiction. I like to reject it JUST because it is so irresistible and I'm just a very contrary kind of gal. Goes with that whole "MOODY" thing!

In the New Year, I definitely want to make more "NOT A CARD" things. It occurred to me that the rate at which I'm collecting supplies, AND making cards....let's just say, you may see me on an upcoming episode of HOARDING: BURIED ALIVE. It helps to have a way to purge your cards or a good cause to donate them to. I make and donate cards to a church we attended when we lived in Utah and I'm an active CHEMO ANGEL. The gift box below is for my patient who will be wrapping up chemotherapy and moving into the New Year, hopefully, with renewed strength and wellness. She has endured a great loss, but I hope that she will overcome these obstacles and return to a place of happiness and good health.

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Domestic Goddess DSP, Basic Gray textured cs, Pool Party ruffled ribbon, Seasonal Pieces printed window sheets, Printed Designer Brads, Glimmer Brads, Boho flower punch, Paper Daisies, Vintage Wallpaper textured impressions, Elementary Elegance stamps, basic jewels, Spellbinders Labels die, Rivercityrubberworks sentiment stamp.

I love the "mini" sized cosmetics at Bath & Body Works! They make a perfect gift for someone when you're not certain what type of scents they like and this way it is way less of a commitment to something that may stink. Personally, I like Charmed Life....but someone else may think it is not so cool.

Domestic Goddess DSP and Attic Boutique DSP actually kind of coordinate in a wonky uncoordinated way. They both use Pool Party, Poppy Parade, and Daffodil Delight and I definitely need guidance with those shades, so it just kind of works for me.

The frame stamp in Elementary Elegance is perfect for your sentiment stamps. Even long ones can be stamped "stacked" so it appears like the body of a paragraph as opposed to a single sentence.

Resolutions:

More TECHNIQUES

More Anything but a Card
More EMBELLISHMENTS

More CREATIVE FOLDS

More CAS style

The Pursuit of Happiness...

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:23:00 +0000

Why do the days immediately following Christmas and into the New Year make us heavy with guilt over life, loves, epic failures, forbidden desires, decadent habits, and over the top expectations? 12:01am on December 26th flips the imaginary switch of a fragile mind from hedonistic indulgence to sweeping penitence in one unceremonious gesture. I know this much is true because, as we speak, my Stampin' UP! shipment is sitting on a truck, 2.3 miles away at UPS, yet the titillating anticipation I should feel at the impending delivery is overshadowed by the close of another year of frightfully flawed existence. Suddenly, French perfume, jewelry, LENOX fine china, and COACH leather, fades to a modicum of hurrahs as I struggle to compartmentalize all the fears and uncertainty of 2012 into palpable bite-sized pieces...**sigh**!! This whole season has always had the ability to take my usually "fly-by-the-seat-of-my pants" personality and slam it head first into a sobering brick wall! In a world dominated by iGADGETS, you have to ask yourself will APPLE release a better OSlife than this in 6 months or less?

I know it is time to make some resolutions to calm my panic-stricken soul. I usually live by the very "Ecclesiastical-like" principal that EVERYTHING is EVENTUAL, there is no right or wrong way to arrive at the same place, but I still just want to get it right? I won't be able to rest if my my headstone doesn't read: THE PERFECT EVERYTHING!!

SHAMELESS SELF-PROMOTION (BELOW)

I did do a few "PERFECT" things over the Holiday Weekend! The meal, as usual, was impeccable. You don't get to be 38.9999 years old and not have perfected a few things. Turkey, dressing, macaroni & cheese, sweet potato souffle, green beans, gravy (with not a single ingredient from a can), and my first attempt at a NY style cheesecake (modified to suit my needs, of course), but generally in keeping with New Yorkers expectations of tall, dry, rich, lemon-zested to death AND unapologetic in robust DECADENCE. Up until this point I had only mastered Pumpkin Cheesecake and French Cheesecake Trifle, which even in my love of all things French...It must be said that NY has cheese and egg custard on lock down....hands down! Just exit the game France.

Now I'll let this gal at SMITTEN KITCHEN give you the amusing diatribe on the ins and outs of cheesecake do's and don'ts, because you who know and love me know that I don't follow any recipe like Gospel. That only leads to disappointment and wasted time and effort. I'll just say, I cheated with the cherry topping because the price per lb. for fresh cherries in December will lead to homicide. Comstock in a can is cost effective and looks more like something I want to eat. I also used common sense with the suggested oven temperature...no good can EVER come from setting an oven to 550 degrees? I don't want to burn down my house on Christmas Eve for the sake of a dessert! 500 degrees is perfect! I also multi-task and I'm not trying to have a sweat lodge in my apartment while I'm spiraling my ham and beating buttercream. The water-bath method is bad enough...you should see what the humidity did to my hair! I also don't own a stand-mixer with a paddle, didn't trim the top, pithed my own lemon zest with my teeth (ok, NOT), didn't add the egg-yolks 1 at a time because I HAVE A LIFE, and my cheesecake did not have a single crack. So, this Joisey Gurl is officially an honorary New Yorker! Isn't she lovely?

Ah, but this is a CRAFT BLOG, right? After you declare yourself "SO DONE" with Christmas, the next logical step is VALENTINE'S DAY!

LOVE YOU BERRY MUCH!!

The totally lickable chocolate-dipped strawberries is an idea that I CASE'D from Tessa's SCS gallery. She did it a little differently, but brilliant just the same!

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Blushing Bride cs, Blushing Bride classic ink, Blushing Bride SMOOCH spritz, Blushing Bride satin pleated ribbon, Very Vanilla cs, Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions, Linen BG stamp, Large Doily Sizzlits die, basic jewels, P.S. I Love You stamps, circle punch, heart punch, corner notch punch, Cherry Cobbler classic ink, Stampin' Write Markers, Crystal Effects, Stickles.

Celebrating an Extraordinary Life

My irrational love of ALL things French couldn't overlook the legacy of Josephine. She is the mystique of my femininity in 2012.

FIT FOR A QUEEN

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Basic Black cs, Night & Day DSP, Attic Boutique DSP, Whisper White cs, Raven Trim Lace, Favorite Thoughts stamps, basic jewels, corner notch punch, Artistic Etchings stamps, Travels Abroad stamps, Stampin' Write Markers, Vanilla SMOOCH, Dazzling Details, Spellbinders Labels, Ovals, Banners dies, adhesive half pearls, Tim Holtz Distress Inks (Pumice Stone, Victorian Velvet, Fired Brick, Black Soot) and Blending Tool.

I have to say how much I adore TH Distress Inks and the blending tool. I know the look can be achieved with regular Stampin' Pads and sponges and whatnot, but the foam blending tool just makes it quick, easy, and most of all......DUMMY-PROOF!

FORBIDDEN FRUIT JAM

In my haste to dig into the Sweet Shop Suite products, I didn't really think this out? I had my "Forbidden Fruit" sentiment that I was dying to use, the obvious food theme of the Sweet Shop Suite and some over-exposed B&W photos of this gorgeous, complicated, larger-than-life personality that is Josephine Baker. The "Banana Dance" Josephine isn't even my favorite aspect of her performing career, but it seemed to go with that forbidden fruit thing again? Yes, to know me is to probably be offended 99.9% of the time. I say that with unabashed flat affect...it is what it is. The only thing I'm left thinking is there really is no occasion for a card like this...oh wait...NAKED WOMAN WITH FRUIT AROUND HER WAIST and the implication of impropriety? My HUBBY! EUREKA! Don't you love when things come full circle?

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Sweet Shop DSP, Everyday Enchantment DSP, Soft Suede cs, Whisper White cs, Everyday Enchantment organdy ribbon, Calypso Coral ruffled ribbon, Soft Suede polka-dot ribbon, Sweet Cake stamps, Winter White embossing powder, Versamark, Sweet Shop Jellybean brads, Calypso Coral reinker, basic jewels, Stickles, Liquid Pearls, Spellbinders dies.

ENJOY!!

It IS all about the bag!

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 01:07:00 +0000

I had to step away from Christmas for a minute because it was all getting to be a little TOO intense, kwim? I was wrapping gifts until 7:22 this morning and then just when I'm ready to go into a coma...I realized I was going to have to clean all this wrapping paper and bows, wrapped gifts, tags, and receipts off the bed, so I could get into it. AND....I'm still not done with all the wrapping, but for my sanity, I needed a stamping break! I sent my mother and DH to the grocery store, one kid is on the Internet, and the other kid is watching TV. Do you hear that? That is called "QUIET" and I have finally managed to achieve some...yay Me!
There are so many handbag tutorials out there, but I wanted to do something a little different. I love barrel bags. I know they are impractical because they don't hold nearly as much as I am required to carry in a purse, but a paper version is ok?

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Berry Blossom DSP, Wisteria Wonder cs, Calypso Coral cs, Lucky Limeade cs, Lucky Limeade ruffled ribbon, Jersey ribbon originals, Designer Label Punch, Martha Stewart Doily Trim punch, black adhesive jewels, circle cutter.

Once I figured out how to assemble it....I was off to the races with this Rockabilly duffel bag. I was willing to embellish a little more and see how cute I could make it look. This purse has my initials across the top opening and a hang tag...the hallmark of designer bags.

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Rockabilly DSP, Whisper White cs, Word Window punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, Tab punch, Black textured cs, Lucky Limeade cs, gold brads, Kiwi Kiss double striped grosgrain ribbon, white gel pen adhesive bling, notch punch, Crystal Effects, Stickles, Coats gold metallic thread, basic eyelets, Just Perfect Alpha, 1/2" circle punch, clear embossing powder, Encore gold ink, Postage Stamp punch, Pretty Postage stamps, Stampin' Write Markers, Spellbinders lacy circles die, Martha Stewart Doily Trim punch.

It has a cute young feel and if we MUST revisit this Christmas thing....they are great to tuck little gifts into. Are you beginning to notice how much I love my Martha Stewart Doily Trim deep edge double sided punch? Yeah, of my dozens and dozens of punches...this may very well be my FAV!

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Basic Grey textured cs, Nouveaux Chic DSP, square lattice embossing folder, circle cutter, paper piercing tool, Stickles, Martha Stewart Doily Trim punch, silver mini brads, Urban West DSP, filigree brads, circle brads, 1 1/4" circle punch, vintage keys.

Naturally, I was NOT without a source of inspiration in doing these projects. Louis Vuitton eye candy is always a source of inspiration and motivation. I don't particularly care for their classic signature bags, just because everyone carries them...you can't look 20 ft. down the sidewalk without a woman sporting an LV classic. I do however; like their exotics (python, croc, ostrich) and the unusual ones like the cherry logo below. Adorable!!

Everyday Disenchantment

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:17:00 +0000

I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea....The Everyday Enchantment suite is absolutely YUMMY in every way! I love that the most current IN COLORS are being used and the vintagey feeling to it all. My disenchantment has less to do with stamping and more to do with Life, Love, and Loss. A friend of mine mentioned the Annual Christmas Nervous Breakdown and I'm so down with that! I'm right on course for a break with reality due to holiday stress, lack of proper rest and nutrition, and the constant fatigue that goes along with too much to do and NOT enough time in the day. I would ask CALGON to take me away....but I have a feeling this is going to require Valium. I was literally falling asleep behind the wheel tonight and I kept trying to avoid looking like I was constantly crossing the lines...but I was. Thankfully, I made it home...what a day? Note to self...driving tired not only endangers my life, but the lives of other drivers on the road. I really should have pulled over, but I desperately wanted to get home.

While my sanity is still intact, I will say that the new DSP is gorgeous up close and the SAB catalog doesn't do it justice. All the coordinating brads and ribbons are really beautiful. I used some Michael's glass DIY ornaments and Chinese takeout containers to make little gifts. This one is pretty special because the person I gave it to kind of favors Lady Day. Silly as it sounds, I'm always trying to find and explore people's auras and make meaningful connections. I don't know what purpose of, I thought, a Billie Holiday ornament would serve, but I was feeling creative and hoping to make sense of it all later. Perhaps it is her magnetism...some people just draw you in and leave you spinning, never giving much in the way of explanation. That is her...

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Everyday Enchantment DSP, Very Vanilla cs, Vanilla Hodgepodge hardware, Pool Party ruffled ribbon, Poppy Parade twill ribbon, Very Vanilla stitched velvet ribbon, Michael's mini Chinese takeout containers.

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Riding Hood Red/Very Vanilla 1 1/4" striped grosgrain ribbon, Riding Hood Red pleated satin ribbon, Lucky Limeade Everyday Enchantment 1/8" organdy ribbon, Old Olive twill, fleurettes, Victoria Crochet trim, Michael's DIY glass ornaments, Doodlebug red sugar glitter, Stickles

Enjoy!!

2012 Occasions Mini...BREATHTAKING!

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 07:14:00 +0000

Ever had the feeling something was made with YOU in mind? Like the powers that be got together for a very important meeting and the first thing on the agenda was how can we propel Danyelle into the stratosphere of papercrafting ecstasy? Yeah, the stars were really lined up this time around. Not that I don't buy EVERYTHING in a mini-catalog anyway, but this time is different...IT IS ALL REALLY BEAUTIFUL.

Quick list of favorites: The Large Doily Sizzlits die, Attic Boutique DSP, Rue Des Fleurs, Love & Laughter, the pleated ribbons (OMG...a MUST have), Designer Cuts cards and envelopes, and Blushing Bride SMOOCH. Having an uninterrupted day of crafting helps too! I love ALL things "Vintage" and ALL things "French", so this mini catalog/SAB 2012 feels like my Christmas!

I think my goal here was to create such a beautifully wrapped box that the possibility of it never getting opened is VERY real. Not to spoil it, but what is inside is not nearly worth destroying this gorgeous wrapping, lol! The recipient, however; doesn't know that!

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Soft Suede cs, Attic Boutique DSP, Early Espresso ink, Rue Des Fleurs stamps, Large Doily Sizzlits die, Soft Suede polka-dot ribbon, Blushing Bride pleated ribbon, Elementary Elegance stamps, Chantilly Crochet Trim, Pretties Kit, Four Frames stamps, Designer Label punch, Stampin' Write Markers, Vintage Trinkets, Tea Shoppe stamps, Occasions Alpha stamps, Bella Birds DSP, adhesive half pearls, Stickles.

That pleated satin ribbon has endless possibilities! Trim and edging, fancy bows, edging around medallions...I love it!

The colors for Attic Boutique DSP are beautiful. I was hoping to use more Pool Party and Soft Suede, so now I have an excuse. The Doily Sizzlits die is invaluable....I know everyone thinks doilies are so played and so dated, but they really do find a way to work themselves into every theme.

**Here is a tip from some like minded SCSers. If you don't like how embossing folders stress and sometimes make fine tears in your cardstock or DSP. Spritz the paper with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and then run it through your Big Shot. Amazing, crisp results everytime!

I have been waiting for the perfect Wedding/Engagement stamp set where the images don't look like they were drawn by Lizzie Borden. I've seen a few scary ones that don't bode well for wishing someone happiness for the rest of their life? KWIM?

Love & Laughter is an adorable set...it won't work for every card, but you can make it look traditional, yet contemporary at the same time. I know I'll enjoy that flexibility. Also if you choose to put no sentiment on it...the dress and cake image already have all the Mr. & Mrs. nomenclature on it. It seems this set was created to coordinate with Designer Cuts cards and envelopes. I love them and plan on ordering a few more packages. And yeah....if you're gonna spend that kind of time on a card, you might as well do something nice to the envelope too, right?

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Designer Cuts cards & envelopes, Le Jardin DSP, Love & Laughter stamps, Bella Birds DSP, Blushing Bride pleated ribbon, Punch Potpourri stamps, Large Heart punch, Elementary Elegance, Blushing Bride SMOOCH, River Rock DSP, First Edition Specialty DSP, Boho Blossoms punch, Victoria Crochet Trim, Basic Jewels, adhesive half pearls, Stazon Timber Brown, Cuttlebug "Textile" embossing folder.

This new pleated satin ribbon is perfect for ME and all you ladies who understand where I'm coming from when I say, "There is not a chance in HELL-O of me pulling the good old Singer down just to pleat some ribbon!" Now, if they could just invent something to stitch on cards that is lightweight, easy to store, and not totally frustrating to use. Again, I said lightweight, easy to store, AND NOT totally frustrating to use. It also can't require a bunch of BS attachments/cartridges that I have to buy.

ENJOY!

JULIE, JULIA, and DANYELLE

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 14:43:00 +0000

Truly EVERYTHING in my life revolves around shopping, crafting, or eating! I craft, I snack, I shop....I snack, I craft, I shop. Somewhere in there I find time to work, but let's just say it ain't a priority! I find ways to craft with the packaging of food items (ahem, see the Dunkin' Donuts card post) and I'm THIS close to using Cherry Cobbler reinker in place of food coloring in a RED VELVET CAKE! Talk about postcards from the edge? Today was all about nervously wrapping up work for 2011 and ***WAITING*** (impatiently) on my Stampin' UP! 2012 Occasions Mini order! Yipee! Except the waiting part....so I decided to find something productive to do and kill a couple hours until the courier (hubby) arrived with that magical box with the widely recognizable logo. What can I say, I was in the mood for curry and so was the courier...so I sent him off to fetch my package and got down to the business of burnin' it up at Chez Kessler.

Now for clarification, this is NOT a RECIPE, in the traditional sense because I don't measure or time anything. When it looks right and tastes amazing...it's done! Taking a page from Julia Child.....I see no reason to be a slave to recipes and I believe the necessity of eating is, hands down, the best motivator for mastering cooking. Know what you like to eat and that is half the battle.

I can say that with the kind of confidence that comes with 15 years of trial and EPIC error. Many moons ago, as I child, I discovered The French Chef Cookbook by Julia Child on the shelf among my Mother's other cookbooks. I was very young, and I didn't pay much attention to what she did in the kitchen, but I was FASCINATED by this shrill-voiced, AMAZON who drank more wine than she put in the pot and had apparently "adopted" everything FRENCH. I watched Julia Child like other children watched Bugs Bunny. By the time I became an avid reader, I got up the nerve to crack open her cookbook and try to read it. The first time my Mother saw me with it, she said "Oh, child...don't waste your time with that, just come help me in the kitchen." I told her that I wanted to have it when I grew up and she told me that I didn't want it and it would be nothing but a source of frustration. Naturally, I did NOT believe her. I also poo-poo'd the idea of being in the kitchen learning how to clean and cook chitterlings, collard greens, and potato salad. I wanted to BE Julia Child. Serving perfect meals to my adoring husband and friends whilst we sat around in the reverie of Post-war France.
FAST FORWARD 20 years. I got married and as soon as I found out I was moving half-way across the world from everything I ever knew...I asked my Mother for the Julia Child cookbook again. With the same warning as before, she couldn't snatch it off the shelf and hand it over to me quick enough. Inside the cover was a message of congratulations to my Mother on her marriage to my Father and a wish for a prosperous life. I felt a little tinge that it now belonged to me along with the promise a a long and happy marriage...just like Julia and Paul.
Well, 15 years later...It didn't take me long to figure out that I wasn't going to master French cooking without an initial investment of about $25,000.00 in specialty cookware, most of which I can't even pronounce. I mean, you are NOT going to find this crap at Wal-mart or even a Pampered Chef party. I had a 2-year-old and a husband proudly serving in the USAF....my grocery budget just wasn't going to accommodate too many nights of Coq au Vin and Boeuf Bourguignon. Have you ever tried to feed a 2-year-old Salade Nicoise? Yeah, GOOD LUCK with that! I found that drinking
while preparing dinner was a good way to burn it and the cost of daycare while I attended Le Cordon Bleu was going to be astronomical! Long story short, my Coq is usually fried, my Vin is on ice, and my beef is not a member of the Bourgeoisie....it is merely working class sirloin. I still have The French Chef Cookbook and now it sits on my shelf. It is a family heirloom and one day, GOD willing, I'll have a crap-eating grin on my face when I hand it over to my daughter and wish her and her husband a long a prosperous life. I might even throw in some Le Creuset cookware and a sizeable wager that she won't be able to bone out a chicken with her bare hands in under 3 minutes.

Chicken Curry and Rice n' Bean

Chicken Breast
Yukon Gold or other waxy potatoes
Onion
Ginger Paste
Minced Garlic
Tomato Paste
Turmeric
Red Pepper/Cayenne
Whole Cloves
Cinnamon
Sugar
Fresh Thyme
Fresh Cilantro
Coconut Milk
Salt
Curry Powder (yellow blends or Indian reds)
Quality Rice (not Minute, 'A Roni, Unk Ben or other parboiled rices)
Lime Juice
Bacon
Goya SAZON (or other Annatto based blends)
Canned Beans (Kidney, Roman, Frioles Negros)
Cocktails*Cocktails*Cocktails
Sour Cream

Our family prefers boneless chix. Some would argue that boned chicken breast has more flavor and is in keeping with the tradition of the "recipe" but I would counter that boneless, skinless, chix breast diced is faster and easier. The drawback is that Blushing Bride pink colored slime it comes packaged in. There is a way to get rid of it....read on....

I'm starting my rice because rendering the bacon and bringing out the heady aroma of the cloves is a little time consuming, but still easier than using salted pork (fat back) or other flavorings. Yes, this a flavored rice or otherwise I wouldn't waste my time....I'd just go to the Chinese take-out place and grab a couple of quarts of that gummy dessicated crap! White rice (YUK!)

Using kitchen shears to cut down a package of bacon makes the rendering quicker. You need about 10-15 cloves and, of course, sort them in your hand to make sure they all have a bulb.

While the bacon is cooking down, use salt and lime juice (cheating) to DE-slime your chix breast. Use a good amount of salt and 3 or 4 squirts of lime then cover with water.

See all the slime skimming the top? You just pour that off and drain. That is freaking AWESOME!! It takes about 20 minutes and then the chix will be squeaky clean and ready to marinate.

My bacon has cooked down, the cloves have done their aromatic VOODOO, so it time to add chopped onions and sprigs of fresh thyme (which children hate to pull out of rice so the jar stuff is OK too). Cover and allow your onions to caramelize.

After the onions appear clear, the thyme is good and saturated in the bacon fat, AND your pan is good and hot....it is time for the remaining ingredients. Well rinsed canned beans are fine, naturally raw beans would probably be better but in the bigger scheme of things...WHO CARES? Just rinse them well or that gritty, slime they come floating in will turn your rice a putrid shade of gray and then it is garbage as far as I'm concerned. Presentation is EVERYTHING! You will want to use about half a can of tomato paste, 3/4 can of coconut milk AND the magic rice to water ratio of 3:2. Three cups of water to 2 cups of rice. REMEMBER: Good rice like Dynasty Jasmine, Basmati, Mahatma Gold. Compensate for the liquid volume of the coconut milk by throwing in a handful more rice. Goya Sazon is mainly for the color that Annatto gives and mild flavoring.

“It's so beautifully arranged on the plate - you know someone's fingers have been all over it.”
― Julia Child

Try to keep your pan hot while slowly adding ingredients one by one. If it stops simmering...give it a minute to boil again before adding the rest of the ingredients. Avoid scorching!

“One of the secrets, and pleasures, of cooking is to learn to correct something if it goes awry; and one of the lessons is to grin and bear it if it cannot be fixed.”
― Julia Child

If you have a creamy, pumpkin colored, simmering broth, then it is time to add the rice, stir quickly, cover and reduce heat to low....VERY LOW. It will seemingly absorb the liquid fast, but as long as the heat is low....you are (as they say) COOKING WITH GAS!

Let's get back to that chicken! One main component of some varieties of curries is potatoes. There is much debate and even more variety, but I prefer waxy potatoes because they don't get destroyed like Russets and you end up with curry mashed potato SOUP. Waxy golds and reds keep their shape, but the downside is they don't thicken up with starchiness like Russet or baking potatoes, so you're going to have to improvise. Maybe make a rue in your microwave and set aside for thickening up later on down the line. Also Yukon Golds have got to be the longest cooking potato I ever met? Just make sure to pierce with a fork to ensure they're done. There is nothing worse than CRUNCHY CURRY! Add more onions, the other half of the tomato paste, and the spices.

Ginger is ESSENTIAL for my curry! But ginger root is a pain in the arse! Luckily modern agriculture brings you BOX O' WINE and evidently, TUBE O' GINGER! I'm loving it! A nice sized dollop will do. You will want to mix that in there good.

Curries are like opinions...everybody has one. I like yellow curry and if you're working with supermarket commercialized curries...they are generally blends which means not very potent and containing other spices. Check the label to avoid redundancies. This particular blend already has Turmeric in it, but I like it CURRY so I use plenty of this and Turmeric too. This is not an instance where a dab will do you. You are not going to be sprinkling this on...unscrew it and dump some in! Now if you're in say, INDIA and buying your curry in a quart-sized Ziploc bags from a street vendor on a camel...it is going to be pretty POTENT stuff. I would exercise caution in rationing that out!

Curries are a complex combination of sweet, spice, and hot. I still don't know what the HELL a Turmeric is, but it is a relatively cheap staple so you can afford to have some on hand. Never in a million years would I have imagined my beloved childhood spice, Cinnamon, in a curry...but it is indescribably good!

RICE IS DONE! YUMMY! The hallmarks of proper rice n' bean is that you didn't cook it so damn long that the beans split open or just plain disintegrated and the rice is loose. By that, I mean not clumpy and sticky, but each grain plumped and separated. Almost the same way it is dry in the bag and loose. If you got lumpy, sticky rice that you have to serve with an ice cream scoop...you screwed it up.

Once the chix is getting cooking, it is time to add the potatoes. There is no real commandment about the amount of potatoes to use. Some people use very little potatoes, like 2 or 3. I personally, like to not have to cook EVERY night so I try to spread a meal over 2 days. I used 7 split boneless breasts and almost equal amount potato which results in a chunkier consistency than the usual soupiness. Carrots are a great addition too, but I have a child who does not eat carrots, so I go crazy with the potatoes.

Stir in the remainder of the can of coconut milk, BUT....get ready to crack open another because more coconut milk will be required later on. Heat should be low-medium and covered to simmer.

If it wasn't for cilantro, our family would be deficient in the leafy green vegetable department. I put cilantro in everything....PREFERABLY fresh, but the jar "marijuana looking" kind will suffice too? Just grab a bunch and cut it with your kitchen shears right into the pot. Also add the remaining half of

the tomato paste (and never fear, I promise the curry will not turn red).

So rice is done. Chicken is cooking down nicely on low heat which takes FOREVAH, but is so worth it. Time to have a drink. Mint/Pomegranate Mojitos go with the theme of the meal. Who am kidding...Mojitos go with the theme of hot dogs and beans if you choose to drink it! I don't measure my drinks either, but I would guess this is 3 parts rum to 1/2 part Mojito mix? Sound good?

“The best way to execute French cooking is to get good and loaded and whack the hell out of a chicken. Bon appétit. ”
― Julia Child

Aha! The courier has arrived with my package and he is intoxicated by the aromas circulating through the house. The only way this moment could be more perfect...if I could abandon cooking and go stamp now! KISS THE COURIER!!

Stampin' UP! Spring Mini order, check....packing slip, check...another drink, check....time to play with it all right now **NOT SO MUCH**.

The Chicken Curry is just about done. Remember I said you might need another can of coconut milk? Yeah, and the bitch of it all is you have to crack open another can for about 1/4 of it. The good news is you can freeze the rest because I have an endless list of foods and cocktails that call for coconut milk. The bad news is that it is a little pricey at 2.19 a can....with all the damn coconuts on Gilligan's Island? Are you kidding me?

VOILA! I give you Chicken Curry of a beautiful, amber color, a smell that is indescribably decadent and exotic, and just the right amount of morsel vs. soup. This is not something to be scarfed down like a Double Quarter-Pounder with cheese. No, no, no....you hold this in your mouth, caress it, savor it, and then ever so gingerly let it slide down your throat.

Remember that rice? Now, one would think that we are going to serve this curry on top of this rice....but that would akin to MURDER. You can't appreciate the co-mingling of heady aromas by sandwiching it in like a sloppy Joe. Serve side by side!

Awww hell yeah, I put my foot in it (as my grandmother would say)!

Usually one's cooking is better than one thinks it is. And if the food is vile,...then the cook must simply grit her teeth and bear it with a smile- and learn from her mistakes.”
― Julia Child

You have to learn to dress up rice so that kids think it is an entree. That way if you can't afford to put filet mignon on the table, beef-flavored rice will be a hit. LOL!

Sour cream, sour cream, sour cream, sour cream. It enhances the taste and appearance. Until some ass-clown teacher told them differently, my kids thought sour cream was whipped cream. My daughter believed candy was a mixture of raisins and peanuts until other kids schooled her. SMH...I miss those days when they ate first and asked questions last. After their stomachs were full!

...And now for the good part! My goodies from the Stampin' UP! Occasions Mini Catalog. I had to get the pleated ribbon and the scented embossing powder. How cute would that be for Valentine's Day? I KNOW! Also 11 stamps sets that I couldn't live without. All the new DSP...especially EVERYDAY ENCHANTMENT! Love, love, love it. The Blushing Bride smooch looks like it will soon be a favorite and the large paper doily die. The irony is that for all $250 of it...I would give my left lug nut for a peaceful day of unfettered time to stamp. Uggh, this working Mama gig is NOT working out. Is it too late to have another baby and resume my fabulous existence of a SAHM.

Investment in "quality" stamping supplies: $7500
Uncomplicated vaginal delivery in facility: $10,500
Look on your face when you realize you STILL have NO time to stamp: PRICELE$$

Bon Appetit, Julia! No EXCUSES and NO EXPLANATIONS! Happy Stamping! Enjoy!

Go for BAROQUE....a craft genome

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:08:00 +0000

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Soft Sky cs, Very Vanilla cs, Le Jardin DSP, First Edition Specialty DSP, Linen BG stamp, Travels Abroad stamps, Stitched Exotics stamps, Soft Sky classic ink, Early Espresso classic ink, Scallop Trim border punch, Decorative Label punch, Scallop Edge punch, Basic Jewels, Library Clips, Vanilla Hodgepodge, Chantilly Crochet Trim.
Other: Martha Stewart Bangle Chain deep double edge punch, Cuttlebug "Textile" embossing folder, Spellbinders Scalloped Ovals/Labels punch, adhesive half pearls, Stickles, Rivercityrubberworks sentiment.

Baroque, Hellenistic, and a little shabby....maybe? I dunno? I'm in a mood. And I should be considering it took me all night to complete this card. No REALLY!! ALL NIGHT! It is a Christmas card for my therapist, who ironically....will probably not think burning the midnight oil to do it is healthy behavior. Oh well, we are only as sick as our secrets! There....I'm healed!

It is now 7:00am and my eldest child just turned on the shower and DH's cell phone is ringing as an alarm. If I hurry with this post, I can grab a cup of coffee and get to work on time. This crap isn't as easy as it was when I was 20. You know, when you used to say, "I stayed up all night" with a hint of humorous mischief in your voice, a gleam in your eye, and now pushing 40-years-old it comes off sounding like I ate a bowl of bitch flakes for breakfast. I used to stamp all night with 100% certainty that I WOULD NOT rather be sleeping, but now that has dipped down to 50/50. Don't even think about sex! If I were awakened for such hedonistic activities there is a 90% that I would prefer to remain sleeping, a 40% percent chance that there is an 8-year-old lying between us and 150% chance that either encounter will become the inspiration or topic of my next project. I've got a craft genome project going on here.

I find inspiration in the damnedest places! Laundry conjures up fabrics and fibers, and all the possibilities with ribbons or achieving texture. I get my COLOR COMBO MOJO from faux pas in the kitchen. Like it was supposed to be pink vodka sauce, but behold....I give you Pretty in Pepto Bismol Blushing Mambo Pixies. Sound GROSS? IT IS! Furniture moves me. This is where I get my imagery and layout because I'm this nutty kinda gal that constantly has to assess the placement of furniture and decor. Notice I said "assess" not "move and clean under." Sentiments come to me in the course of conversations. I'm not SURE if it is me or do most people come off sounding like the village idiot? Nonetheless, I'm ready for them! A perennial smart ass, I like to keep the crass skepticism rolling. My kids inspire me with their interactions while doing their homework. There must be a law that states the more mitochondrial DNA you have in common....the more apt you are to kill each other. My little Cain and Abelaaa are determined to poke each other to death under the dining room table....and I'm prepared to let them!
Another source of cryptic inspiration and (I might add) moderate irritation is my mother. She doesn't have cable or Internet.....OR CALL WAITING, which is really annoying. Her philosophy is that if you call and get a busy signal.....well, you just have to wait don't you? Voila, free call waiting. The things I consider crucial necessities, she finds a way to trivialize. She just plain doesn't want to pay for cable and I guess she decided that Internet was not something she wanted to pay for either....coincidentally, right after I gave her a state of the art laptop. I now call the laptop the $1500 pink paperweight. Anywho....we have spoke EVERYDAY for the last 10 years, sometimes for many hours at a time, usually involving me giving her the synopsis of the days news. It has occurred to me that this makes me some sort of enabler....but you only get one mother, right? If she is relying on my eyewitness account of current events, we both need to be in therapy! I have decided I'm just going to wait till the end of this whole Penn State/Jerry Sandusky scandal to give her the victim count, because calling her every 2 hours when a new victims comes forward only to get a busy signal really pisses me off! ENJOY!

Alter Egos and Artistic Etchings...

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 04:52:00 +0000

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Early Espresso cs, Very Vanilla cs, Bella Birds DSP, First Edition Specialty DSP, unknown single sided paper, 1 1/4" Early Espresso wide grosgrain ribbon, Crumb Cake seam binding, Pretties Kit stick-pin, Vintage Brads, Scalloped Border punch, Photo Corners punch, Melon Mambo embossing powder, Early Espresso classic ink, Crumb Cake classic ink, Travels Abroad stamps, Favorite Thoughts stamps, Bliss stamps, Artistic Etchings stamps, Tim Holtz Film Strip ribbon, gold Stickles, gold SMOOCH spritz, adhesive half pearls, Versamark.

I wasn't sure when I started papercrafting almost 9 years ago if this would be the craft/hobby that would stick. There were so many that I had gotten excited about, usually followed by a massive shopping spree only to lose interest and watch the supplies rot. I'm almost 100% sure that this is artistically, exactly where I want to be. I remind myself to never say never because I struggle with periods of "MOJO MAL" and long stretches of life's responsibilities that keep me away from what I love to do. I go through it as much as any of you crafty gals and sprinkle in an ample number of mental health days when it is all I can do not to not to run my tongue through my BIG SHOT and pierce it with a square rhinestone brad.

As I have said before, I'm back to work after 14 years as a SAHM and I'm learning to balance the gratification of the work I do with the time-constraints it presents to my creative process. I always want to stamp, but I don't always have the time or energy. I pat myself on the back for being "grown woman enough" to admit that papercrafting has to get in line behind kids, husband, home, work.... Sometimes that means my blog suffers too, but I really appreciate everyone who stops by to peep or read. Words cannot express my gratitude and shameless reliance on your love and adulation! What can I say? Some people do tutorials, some do design teams.....me, I thrive on encouragement.

I'm so excited that the SU! Spring MINI will be out soon and I've already got a sneak peek! Yay, me! It was enough to inspire me to pull out some sadly neglected supplies and see what I could do to pay homage to my alter ego.....THE FABULOUS JOSEPHINE BAKER! Why? Well, because I love Vintage, I love B&W photography, I LOVE COLLAGE STYLE, femme perspective, romanticism, Shabby Chic, and ALL things French! Oooh La La! My two projects boast a couple of firsts. These are my first PINWHEEL MEDALLIONS OR FLOWERS, my first fabric rolled flowers (I didn't make them, but Tim Holtz says their mine!), my first photo collage style design, my first crinkled seam binding (which is actually not as hard as I thought?). The Stampin' UP! Simply Scored tool is the GOTO tool from here on out....I LOVE IT!

I consider Josephine to be my alter ego because on the outside I think people see me wearing the famous banana costume in Folies Bergeres and being relatively entertaining, perhaps a little exhibitionist at times, but I'm not that larger than life personality. I can be private, I have a fragile ego, I'm not perennially funny, and I have a host of insecurities. My modus operandi is....The Show Must Go On!

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Very Vanilla cs, Parisian Summer DSP, Bella Birds DSP, Springtime Vintage DSP, Bella Toile stamps, First Edition Specialty DSP, Favorite Thoughts stamps, Travels Abroad stamps, Artistic Etchings stamps, Blushing Bride reinker, Basic Jewels, Vintage Mini Tags, Urban West rub-ons, Stazon Black, Colorbox Chalk (Charcoal), Spellbinders die, Tim Holtz Lavish Trimmings, adhesive half pearls, pink organdy ribbon,

Ahhh....Gay Paris!

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 22:56:00 +0000

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Artistic Etchings stamps, Travels Abroad stamps, Bliss stamps, Old Olive classic ink, Blushing Bride classic ink, Old Olive cs, Blushing Bride cs, Very Vanilla cs, Basic Black cs, Old Olive 1 1/4" striped grosgrain ribbon, basic jewels, Blushing Bride reinker (to dye the trim), Tim Holtz black soot distress ink, Tim Holtz Idea-ology Lavish Trimmings, Spellbinders dies.

Ooooh La La....I'm in LOVE! With what? Tim Holtz Idea-ology Lavish Trimmings! These gorgeous little rosettes come in white, so they can be dyed to match anything and they are so yummy looking stitched onto the nylon netting. There is 1 yd. each of 3 trims....rosettes, plain seam binding, and ruffled tulle. All of them are very cute and very versatile. I'm also grateful that I'm not one of those people who purges stamp sets every time a new catty is released. I knew if I held onto Travels Abroad, I would eventually find some complimentary sets. The Eieffel Tower from Artistic Etchings and the Arc de Triomphe from Travels Abroad really compliments Bliss and each other! Magnifique!

Really grateful that I had a chance to stamp this weekend, because I was beginning to think I had totally lost my mojo....AGAIN! Now that I'm working, I am so dog tired when I come home that I don't even wanna look at my crafting supplies, but I do force myself to sit at my table and brainstorm.

ENJOY!!

My beautiful Cleopatra

My handsome Darth Vadar

LIFE....or something like it.

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:43:00 +0000

Well, I don't think I need to state that I abandoned the HOPE YOU CAN CLING TO 2011 challenges after day 15. Just when I thought I was catching up....they would post another days challenge and I'd be behind all over again! It is exasperating to say the least. On a brighter note, I did send my bundle of cards to the UT Anderson Cancer Center and I'm very proud of how many I did accomplish! Yay me! Remind me the next time I embark on one of my ambitious undertakings that work, home, kids, husbands....basically LIFE WILL intervene!
So, I'm back to work after like 13 years as a SAHM and wife. Not to be crass, but I feel like I've been hit by a train....an Acela train. Initially, I was excited just to wear something that wasn't stained by strained peas or formula and interact with adults without needing to speak in a sing-songy voice to coax a little cooperation out of them, but alas....I'm tired. Dog tired. The job is just a small step, really...in the bigger picture. I've been the sole source of comfort, amusement, and basic needs for both my children and really neglected myself. Like seriously....I'm on book two of a decade's worth of OPRAH BOOKCLUB BOOKS! If Oprah starts up again....I'll never catch up! I seriously question whether or not I can still read anything that doesn't rhyme or end with "SAM I AM". But I do have the perfect title for my first novel...."Oh, the Idiots You'll Meet!" I come in contact with a plethora of people who obviously had 2 bowls of stupid for breakfast. I go through my day missing the hugging, snuggling, and sharing a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a child who has the attention span of a gnat. More than a decade of 24/7 children's television has plunged me into a deeply profound state of WTH? Seemingly, while the rest of the world spun on its axis....I was pondering the axis I diagnosis of Tiger, Poo, and Eeyore. Tigger is a manic-depressive, in case you were wondering. Anywho, I miss stamping all day and blogging and coming up with that nifty idea for something gorgeous, but totally impractical and expendable made of paper. Oh well, it is just another hiccup in life and in my bi-polar moment I'm likely to create some beautiful piece of paper craftsmanship and then, for no apparent reason, turn around and light a match....POOF!

HOPE YOU CAN CLING TO CARD DRIVE

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 02:32:00 +0000

Here are my first submissions for the month long breast cancer awareness event being hosted on SCS. The Hope You Can Cling To card drive benefits those affected by breast cancer. There are daily challenges for the whole month of October (kicked off on World Cardmaking Day) and it is never too late to join in the fun and complete the challenges for a chance to win some very awesome prizes (or just do something really nice for a survivor). Plus you get to send off your cards to the MD Anderson Cancer Center for patients and their visitors to enjoy. I love when my crafting has a purpose!

This one is my own COLOR COMBO (not one of the actual HYCCT challenges), but I'm in love with: Pretty Cocoa, Chocolate, Pink, Craze.

ROCK STAR
Supplies: Stampin' Up! Cajun Craze cs, Chocolate Chip cs, Whisper White cs, Pink Pirouette cs, Urban West DSP, Looks Like Spring stamps, Ocean Commotion stamps, Linen BG stamp, square lattice embossing folder, PIPink narrow ribbon, Sending Love epoxy brads, Winter White embossing powder, versamark, Stampin' Write Markers, Chat Room rub-ons, Stickles, Spellbinders dies.
Technique: Emboss Resist

This is for the HYCCT challenge....bling with rhinestones! Something I have no trouble with since I'm addicted to Stickles and rhinestones. The angel fish is suspended in the circle with some of hubby's fishing line. It is hard to tell in the photos, but the residue from the embossing powder actually worked in my favor looking more like intentional bubbles than an embossing buddy oversight!

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Whisper White cs, Island Indigo cs, Green Galore text cs, Basic Black cs, Berry Blossoms DSP, Ocean Commmotion stamps, Designer Frames embossing folder, basic jewels, Winter White embossing powder, PIPink narrow ribbon, scallop border punch, Stickles, 4lb. fishing line, Hambo stamps sentiment.
HYCCT1101B - Bling!

It is so sparkly....I can't put it down!

I know this sheep looks like she might do something strange for some change, but I like to think of her as marching to the beat of her own drum in the face of adversity. Not every EWE can pull off all those shades of pink, but survivors can! She is one cool EWE! Just catching up on those challenges!
HYCCT1101A-Pink Critters

EWE OK?
Supplies: Stampin' UP! Basic Black cs, Whisper White cs, Berry Blossoms DSP, Farm Fever stamps, Shore Things stamps, PIPink narrow ribbon, basic jewels, LOTS OF STICKLES, Martha Stewart flocking powder.

You will have to go to the HOPE YOU CAN CLING TO card drive forum to see what the inspiration was for this challenge card. This one had a bunch of personal experience behind it and a healthy dose of realism....I mean, I've seen alot of bra cards and they are all cute with their perfectly perky looking boobs.....BUT WELCOME TO MY WORLD! For some of us it is an "UPHILL" battle with gravity and I'm not winning this one! I was born amply endowed and bras have been the bane of my existence since I was like 10! Underwire is evil, balconette styles are a precariously balanced nightmare that only works if you never, EVER bend forward. I'm also a firm believer that once your cup size gets to the middle of the alphabet....DOODADS like pearls, flowers, and padding are asinine and should totally be avoided. So, Miracle Bra my ASS!

MIRACLE BRA

HYCCT1102 - Your My Inspiration
Supplies: Stampin' UP! Very Vanilla cs, Pixie Pink text cs, Chocolate Chip cs, Ginger Blossoms DSP, tab punch, lg. oval punch, Beachfront ribbon originals, basic pearls, fine gauge wire, Manhattan Flower embossing folder, Sherbert ribbon originals, vintage adornments, Stickles, scalloped circle die.

An Apple A Day
HYCCT1101C - A circle card
Supplies: Stampin' UP! Carousel Notes w/ matching envelope, Riding Hood Red cs, Whisper White cs, Chocolate Chip cs, Delicate Dots DSP, Bella Rose DSP, Sweet Centers stamps, button assortment, silver mini brads, linen thread, versamark, Wild Wasabi embossing powder, Hambo stamps sentiment.

Happy Heart
Stampin' UP! Going Gray text cs, Real Red cs, Love Impressions DSP, Rred wide grosgrain ribbon, A Happy Heart stamps, silver mini brads, Stickles, Spellbinders dies.

THANKSGIVING SHAKER CARD
Stampin' UP! Early Espresso cs, Very Vanilla cs, Spice Cake DSP, circle punches, shaker frames, Spice Cake designer fabric, Hand-Penned Holidays stamps, Lovely As a Tree stamps, vintage trinkets, paper piercing tool.

Halloween Shananigans

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:37:00 +0000

I thought I would take a break from my Christmas card making to remember how much fun our family always has at HALLOWEEN. Of course, I scrap every moment from the handmade costume faux pas of Halloweens past to the delightful goodies of the present. I bought a sewing machine back when my now 13-year-old was only 2 and taught myself how to layout a pattern and put it together. It took me like 4 nights after bedtime, working until the a.m. to complete it. She was a princess that year and a photograph that was taken of her on a Coca-Cola display in the commissary caught the attention of the vendors who set up these elaborate Halloween soda displays in stores. They left a message with the clerks in the commissary to try and contact me the next time I entered the store, but alas....it wasn't meant to be. For some reason, I skipped the weekly shopping and by the time they got ahold of me...it was too late! Nonetheless, Halloween will always remind me of my first attempts to sew and that it was good enough to attract some press (prolly more like the cute kid on the soda castle with the Rapunzel hat), but I can fantasize, right?

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Only Orange cs, Whisper White cs, Cast-A-Spell DSP, Sweet Centers stamps, Halloween Frights stamps, Stampin' Write Markers, 1 3/8" circle punch, shaker frames, basic black wide grosgrain ribbon, Perfect Plum narrow grosgrain ribbon, mica chips, Stickles, Michael's black jewels.

Jeepers Creepers....look at those peepers! I love the Booglie Eyes set and shall never part with it...cross my heart. The most logical approach is to color the images. This year's mummy is donning Crumb Cake with Soft Suede outlining and I think he looks faaaahbulous! Embellishments are painfully absent (and not for lack of wanting or trying), but the postage is astronomical!! I made quite a few of these.

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Perfect Plum cs, Whisper White cs, Cast-A-Spell DSP, Festive & Fun stamps, Booglie Eyes stamps, Stampin' Write Markers, Stickles.

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Basic Black cs, Old Olive cs, Whisper White cs, Cast-A-Spell DSP, basic black wide grosgrain ribbon, Top Note die, Hey Ghoul Friend stamps, Stampin' Write Markers, Spellbinders dies, Stickles.

Hand-Penned Holidays is FAST making it's way to one of my favorite newer stamp sets! It is gorgeous embossed and still beautiful just plain.

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Old Olive cs, Whisper White cs, Cast-A-Spell DSP, Booglie Eyes stamps, Hand-Penned Holidays stamps, gold brads, versamark, black detail powder, Stampin' Write Markers, Stickles.

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Basic Black cs, Whisper White cs, Old Olive cs, Cast-A-Spell DSP, Berry Blossoms DSP, Hey Ghoul Friend stamps, Hand-Penned Holidays stamps, Top Note Die, 1 3/8" square punch, 1" square punch, basic jewels, basic black narrow grosgrain ribbon, versamark, black detail powder, Stampin' Write Markers, Stickles.

Vintage Granny

I really have no excuses for what happened here? All things "GRANNY", perhaps? I was sooooo hot to get my hands on some Springtime Vintage DSP....maybe I wasn't looking very closely, but it escaped me how much it looks like the wallpaper must have looked in Norman Bates' mother's room. The rest of it is just the convergence or "train wreck" of every country looking element within arms reach. Spellbinders ovals was a poor choice and really dated the layout. Velvet stitched ribbon has some fabulous applications....this isn't one of them, but it does have some fabulous applications. I was dying to see what Distress Paint was capable of since cracked glass is one of those techniques that I LOVE to see, but HATE to do! So I sorta sealed the dated look as fate when I covered the image with clear rock candy Distress Paint. Vintage Adornments definitely has a better ring to it than look. The Vvanilla, and Bbreeze colors seem to have more potential, but the Rred is hopelessly bouquetish looking. The scallop border punch tends to give everything that hokey look as far as I'm concerned....so I threw it in for good measure and VOILA....Norman Bates' mother's room set ablaze in the final installment of PSYCHO crafter's revenge. Luckily, I have a tabbed section of my card stash box marked "srsly demented cards" and I DO send them out frequently! If you can't laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at?

I

Supplies: (IF I MUST) Stampin' UP! Very Vanilla cs, Rose Red cs, Springtime Vintage DSP, Vintage Adornments, scallop border punch, Eastern Influences stamps, Hand-Penned Holiday stamps, Vvanilla stitched velvet ribbon, Stampin' Write Markers, Spellbinders ovals dies, Distress Paint.

Give a man a fish...

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 07:57:00 +0000

I love that sentiment and I don't get to use it nearly as much as I would like!

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Calypso Coral cs, Wisteria Wonder textured cs, Whisper White cs, Berry Blossoms DSP, Things I Love stamps, rubbernecker ?? sentiment, adhesive bling, Calypso Coral ruffled ribbon, Wisteria Wonder ruffled ribbon, Dazzling Details.

I'm continuing my holiday cardmaking having completed over 50 different Christmas/Holiday cards. It would make sense to be doing fall/autumn, Halloween and Thanksgiving (and I am slowly working up to it), but I always disappoint myself by falling short on cards at Christmas, so I've prioritized that for the moment. Of course, at any given moment something AHHHBSOLUTELY FABULOUS could derail those plans, so I'm not making any promises. I am, however, making progress. Below is my first side-step card, which is AWESOME for images that you like to cut out. Snowmen are sort of my thing! I collect them. From tea light holders to napkin holders and novelty statuary....if it is a snowman, it's mine! I even have a snowwoman and her snowbaby.

Stampin' UP! Wisteria Wonder textured cs, Whisper White cs, Berry Blossoms DSP, Stampin' Write Markers, Merry & Type stamps, Snow Much Fun stamps, Accents & Elements Felt Flurries, silver mini brads, Dazzling Details, Stickles.

Snow Much Fun may soon replace Flaky Friends as my favorite snowman stamp set and I love to flock the tall, lanky guy with Martha Stewart flocking powder.

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Old Olive cs, Chocolate Chip cs, Very Vanilla cs, Jolly Holidays DSP, Ski Slope DSP, Letters to Santa DSP, Holiday Treasures DSP, Frosty Day DSP, mini jingle bells, Cherry Cobbler baker's twine, Merry & Type stamps, Snow Much Fun stamps, Stickles, Martha Stewart flocking powder.

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Chocolate Chip cs, Very Vanilla cs, Frosty Day DSP, Jolly Holiday DSP, Snow Much Fun stamps, Chocolate Chip taffeta ribbon, Martha Stewart flocking powder, Stickles.

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Crumb Cake cs, Blueberry Crisp DSP, vellum, very vanilla embossing powder, very vanilla craft ink, Shalom stamp, Not Quite Navy Stampin' Write Marker, silver mini brads, denim ribbon.

Enjoy

The Practice Advent Calendar

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 03:52:00 +0000

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Chocolate Chip cs, Kraft cs, Old Olive cs, Cherry Cobbler cs, Crumb Cake cs, Very Vanilla cs, Frosty Day DSP, Soft Sky patterned DSP, Prestwick DSP, Jolly Holiday DSP, Bella Rose DSP, Holiday Treasures DSP, Ski Slope DSP, Candy Cane DSP, Letters to Santa DSP, Print Pattern BG, 25 & Counting, Just Perfect Alpha, Letterpress Alpha, Chocolate Chip craft ink, Stampin' Write Markers, white gel pen, Cherry Cobbler Bakers Twine, Mini Jingle Bells, Accents & Elements Felt Flurries, Snow Burst embossing folder, 1 3/8" square punch, stocking builder punch, square rhinestone brads, vintage trinkets, corduroy buttons, button assortment, scallop circle punch, Old Olive and Marina Mist scalloped dot ribbon, Regals buttons, Regals eyelets, natural and red hemp twine, clear buttons, bitty button assortment, large tag punch, mica chips, Beachfront ribbon originals, scallop trim border punch, Peek-a-boo Frames die, scallop square punch, 1" square punch, silver mini brads, Stickles, adhesive jewels, adhesive half pearls, vintage wallpaper embossing folder, Kraft taffeta ribbon, Very Vanilla taffeta ribbon, crochet trim, Early Espresso quilted satin ribbon, Spellbinders deckle rectangles, scallop lace circles.

Now that I have received all my yummy SU! Holiday Mini loot, I felt the need to try out EVERYTHING! This is my practice run advent calendar done on cardboard covered with Chocolate Chip cardstock. The real thing is yet to come, but if it is even half as much fun as this was....I'm totally psyched! The Peek-a-boo Frames die is so cute! You can cut your windows from a variety of materials, colors, and textures. I cut some cardstock windows and some DSP windows and then embossed some of the cardstock ones. The possibilities are endless and you are guaranteed to use a little of everything you have to embellish it. I still have some questions though....like what is supposed to go behind the little doors? When I was a child, I think I had a cardboard advent calendar that had a case quarter behind each door? Well, we'll explore behind the doors another time....for now I just a square place holder behind there. 25 & Counting is a cute set that drives you crazy trying to do something different with each day. Heat emboss, lots of STICKLES (I mean LOTS), smaller embellishments, different techniques.....DEFINITELY TAKE YOUR TIME and think it out! I think I used my body weight in Stickles! And it has to be said that this IS an opportunity to use up "ugly" embellishments, lol. For example, the Ballet Blue buttons between each letter in Christmas....yeah, who needs that many Ballet Blue buttons? I certainly wouldn't have been able to part with 8 mini jingle bells, so I think I made out pretty good.

Enjoy!

Up to my usual antics...

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:30:00 +0000

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Linen BG, Hanukkah, Pool Party classic ink, More Mustard craft, clear embossing powder, Stampin' Write Markers, Orchard Ribbon Originals, Designer Frames embossing folders, Spice Cake dsp, Pool Party cs.

So my huge order from the SU! Holiday Mini arrived and I've spent the last week playing with all my new toys and goodies, seeing how things work and what the possibilities are. At first, I was more than a little intimidated by the sheer number of things laid out before me. I didn't know whether to stamp, paper piece, embellish, emboss, or punch! There were just too many choices...and then the second brown box arrived today! My Spice Cake fabric and the new SU! scoring tool. The Stampin' UP! scoring tool works beautifully! Not to say there is anything monumentally different about it from other scoring tools, but since I love ALL THINGS SU!, I just wanted to have the SU! scoring tool. The actual scoring tool, which is a ball stylus won't wear down like the plastic one that came with my Scor-pal. The 2 little storage compartments at the top for a stylus and the measurement markers is a nifty addition, too. It scores at 1/8" intervals and comes with place markers to do away with all that pesky figuring and mathemication (new word) in your head.

I finally got a stamp for cards for my in-laws, but as you can see it is hit or miss with the Hanukkah theme. I think one is acceptable and the other (I'm told) is too Christmasy. Ay ya ya...what am I going to do? I must say I do love the Spice Cake dsp and designer fabric....and each design is a good one, unlike some packs of dsp you buy and 2 patterns are gorgeous and the other 10 are hideous! This one is worth the 10.95!

Candy Cane specialty dsp is one of a past season that I didn't purchase, but was lucky enough to be able to purchase some from someone else. It's darling (not Hanukkah) paper that should be used to excess, except with Hanukkah stamps, lol! I'll find anyway to justify it, though....it is cutesy, pink and if someone were blessed with a baby girl in early December...it would be perfect!!

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Blushing Bride cs, Whisper White cs, Candy Cane specialty dsp, Baja Breeze seam binding, Hanukkah stamp, adhesive bling, scalloped trim border punch.

The Domestic Goddess Suite is another hit from the Big Catty that I'm in love with. I love Calypso Coral and Pool Party and it goes so well with all my smart alecky, irate, housewife sentiments!

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Calypso Coral cs, Whisper White cs, Domestic Goddess dsp, silver mini brads, Now You're Cookin' stamp, Pool Party classic ink, Calypso Coral classic ink, Calypso Coral ruffled ribbon, Martha Stewart doily border punch.

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Linen BG, Hand-Penned Holidays, True Friend, Pool Party classic ink, Chocolate Chip craft, clear embossing powder, Pool Party cs, Very Vanilla cs, Spice Cake dsp, Spice Cake designer buttons, hemp twine, Pool Party ruffled ribbon, Stampin' Write Markers, Earths buttons, square lattice embossing folder, Spellbinders nesties.

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Early Espresso cs, Very Vanilla textured cs, Spice Cake dsp, corner notch punch, Lovely As A Tree, Hand-Penned Holidays, Early Espresso quilted satin ribbon, Early Espresso classic ink, Stampin' Write Markers, Stickles, adhesive half pearls.

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Old Olive cs, Baja Breeze cs, Holiday Treasures dsp, Whisper White cs, Festive & Fun, stocking builder punch, Old Olive scalloped polka dot ribbon, Baja Breeze seam binding, Earths buttons, silver mini brads, scalloped trim border punch, Stickles.

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Old Olive cs, Baja Breeze cs, Holiday Treasures dsp, Whisper White cs, snow burst embossing folder, Snow Much Fun, Old Olive scalloped polka dot ribbon, Stampin' Write Markers, Stickles, Martha Stewart flocking.

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Real Red cs, Candy Cane specialty dsp, Blushing Bride cs, Blushing Bride classic ink, Stampin' Write Markers, Cherry Cobbler baker's twine, Real Red corduroy button, mini jingle bells, Linen BG, Loads of Love, Stazon Black, Martha Stewart doily border punch.

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Soft Suede cs, Very Vanilla cs, Spice Cake dsp, Merry & Type, Stampin' Write Markers, Very Vanilla velvet stitched ribbon, stocking builder punch, snow burst embossing folder, mini jingle bells, linen thread, Stickles.

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Kraft cs, Very Vanilla cs, Spice Cake dsp, Spice Cake designer fabric, build-a-brad, For A Friend, Medallion, Linen BG, Early Espresso classic ink, Versamark, Very Vanilla embossing powder, Tim Holtz tattered florals die, decoupage sealer and glue.

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Blushing Bride cs, Candy Cane specialty dsp, stocking builder punch, Hand-Penned Holidays, Versmark, Wild Wasabi embossing powder, Stickles.

Truly Grateful...

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:23:00 +0000

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Soft Suede cs, Elegant Soiree dsp, Early Espresso classsic ink, Stampin' Write markers, square lattice embossing folder, Essence of Love, Language of Friendship, adhesive bling, bird builder punch, Tim Holtz tattered florals die, Spellbinders banners, Spellbinders nestabilities.

I've been feeling very "Autumn" lately....don't know if it is mood or seasonal depression or the fact that I have been blessed with a new job in this awful economy, but I'm grateful and I'm going to roll with it for now. Enjoy!

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Marina Mist cs, Very Vanilla cs, Petals & Paisleys dsp, vintage wallpaper embossing folder, Early Espresso satin ribbon, Stampin' Write Markers, Lovely as A Tree, Season by Season, Linen BG, pretties kit pearls, Bravo Burgundy classic ink, Marina Mist classic ink, Spellbinders nestabilities, Spellbinders banners.

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Really Rust cs, Whisper White cs, Apple Cider dsp, Lovely as A Tree, Season by Season, Linen BG, Really Rust craft ink, River Rock classic ink, build-a-brad, Close to Cocoa velvet trim, Spellbinders deckled rectangles, Gold SMOOCH spritz.

Bags, Bags, and more paper bags!

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 19:18:00 +0000

Among my friends, I'm beginning to be known as the "paper bag lady." I would be offended if it weren't for the fact that some of these bags are designer labels (notice the DSK), feeding another non-craft related obsession of mine. DSK are my initials, so why shouldn't I add my own branding? COACH and Louis Vuitton put their LV's or signature CC's all over their stuff, so shouldn't my fabulous little paper bag be conscious of branding, lol?
I also adore anything petite logo. I love to find branded items laying around for my creative contentment. Like I never really knew how tiny the tiniest Dunkin' Donuts or Ace Hardware store bag was, until I swiped them from my husband! They are so awesome, I could see myself eating a vanilla cream filled or buying bolts and couplets everyday....just to get a bag. Sounds nuts.....I know, but have a looksee anyway! What did you say, honey? Where are the things you had in the closet from ACE......I moved them to that hottie pink Victoria's Secret bag, dear! I didn't think you would mind?

Dunkin' Donuts Card
Supplies: Dunkin' Donuts paper bag, Stampin' Up! Crystal Effects, Linen BG, Square Lattice embossing folder, Creamy Caramel craft in, 1 3/8" circle punch, Ice Cream Parlor DSP, IN COLOR patterns mat pack, Melon Mambo cs, Very Vanilla cs, Early Espresso cs, Ice Cream Parlor accents & elements, crimper tool, Martha Stewart heart trim punch (confetti for the sprinkles), Stickles, pinking shears, rivercityrubberworks.com sentiment.

I think the DD logo might be one of the more suitable things for using Crystal Effect and Stickles to create dimension. Paprika and Glam Pink are among my favorite colors of Stickles because they are so versatile and easy substitutes for Pumpkin Pie, Tangerine Tango, Cajun Craze, Really Rust, Mambo Melon and Positively Pink. You can't beat that. Here my card base is VV, completely covered with Early Espresso, and then layered with Peach Parfait patterned paper. The donut is a piece of the paper bag stamped with the Linen BG stamp in CC craft and then embossed with square lattice embossing folder. The frosting is ICP DSP with a thick layer of Crystal Effects and the heart shaped confetti created by the Martha Stewart heart trim punch.

I just want to send a shout out to my DH whose Ace Hardware bag, receipt, 60 grit sand paper, and spare nuts and washers from his dresser top contributed to this card. LOL.....

Ace Hardware Card
Supplies: Basic Black cs, Whisper White cs, Ranger foil sheets, Ace Hardware paper bag, sales receipt, 60 Aluminum Oxide sand paper, random nuts and washers, paper crimper tool, Tim Holtz embossing folder, EK Success punch, Eyelet Outlet brads, Crystal Effects, Full of Life, Hemp twine, For A Friend (inside).

Onsie Window Card
Supplies: Whisper White cs, Pink Pirouette cs, printed acetate sheets, Stampin' UP! houndstooth embossing folder, square lattice embossing folder, bitty buttons, Pretty-in-pink/white taffeta ribbon Full of Life, Michael's $1 dollar sentiment stamp, Pink Pirouette corduroy butters, Melon Mambo and Pink Pirouette classic ink, Stickles.

I found this adorable printed acetate in my travels and although, I've already sent in my Welcome Baby Swap submission, I sat down right away to see what I could come up with. Armed with my favs....STICKLES and the Sizzix embossing folders, I was prepared.....to wait....and wait....and wait....Stickles takes awhile to completely dry! There is so much you could do with this paper other than overlays. You can color all or some of the onsies in with Stickles, flocking, glass beads, paper piecing from your favorite scraps of DSP....the possibilities are endless!

Paper Purse Emporium!

Templates, Patterns, or Tutorials by: Becky Roberts, Melstampz, and Meggiecat.

It's raining PAPER PURSES and I gotta tell you,... that outranks raining men! So, I've already told you in a previous post how I feel about online papercrafting tutorials that you have to purchase$$. I do believe much of that information comes from sources of inspiration that the seller does not disclose and there are very few out there that I'm willing to purchase.
Some are brilliant ( like what I'm about to show you) and some leave much to be desired....

Greenhouse Gala Haute Couture bag, Novelty Cocktail clutch, Denim Blueberry everyday style!
If you're wondering who DSK is...why that is me! If COACH and Louis Vuitton can put their LV and signatures CC's on everything, why can't I? Lol. What a ball it was to make these mini purses and send them out to people with full and 3x3 sized cards inside. I think I'm in love right now!

Kaleidoscope Cocktail Bag (MEGGIECAT's DESIGN)
Supplies: Stampin' UP! Pink Passion Text cs, Kaleidoscope DSP, Paisley CB embossing folder, Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge, Fresh Favorites eyelets, Accents & Elements felt flowers, silver mini brads, sherbert ribbon originals, Crystal Effects, scalloped circle punch, Very Vanilla cs, Stickles.

The template for this novelty cocktail clutch was provided FREE OF CHARGE by Meggiecat!

Greenhouse Gala Haute Couture bag
Supplies: Stampin' UP! Real Red text cs, Greenhouse Gala DSP, Ice Cream Parlor DSP, Stickles, Crystal Effects, adhesive bling, adhesive pearls, scallop trim border punch, white gel pen, silver mini brads, silver eyelets, styled silver hodgepodge, Hampton Arts $1 alphas, Mistletoe ribbon originals, Linen thread

The red/orange purse (Greenhouse Gala DSP) is a modified version of a purse designed by Mel, (Melstampz.blogspot.com)Mel's will be in the results! It is definitely one of the blogs to add to your list of do drop inn's!

With this purse, I followed her templates for the body of the purse, but played around with a closure top and handle of my own. I just measured and used Scor-pal to make the top of the purse and braided scrap strips of red cs for the handle. On of the blooms (better view below) on the front of the purse is filled in with marmalade distress Stickles and then Crystal Effects over that.

Becky Roberts TRES' CHIC HANDBAG TUTORIAL:

This purse is part of a tutorial for 3 small handbags that WILL PROVE to be the best $3.95 cents you ever spent! And that is saying alot for me, because you know my position on paying for templates or tutorials. This, however; is a professional gig here....the instructions the patterns and templates, reminders to help avoid common mistakes and blunders. I'll freely admit I bought it with no hesitation and the other projects included with the Tres' Chic download are equally adorable! Now I'm off the create my own purse tutorial....

The crafter in me never rests!

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 10:52:00 +0000

Circle "Sand" Card
Supplies: Stampin' UP Early Espresso cs, Whisper White cs, Paisley Petals DSP, Nouveau Chic DSP, River Rock patterns dsp, Domestic Goddess DSP, Urban Garden DSP, Soft Sky Classic in, square lattice embossing folder, CRAB & CO., Crystal Effects, Stickles, googly eyes, ornamental shells, 5, 5 1/2" circle template and cutter tool, decoupage glue and sealer, SAND!

Even as I sit here and type this I have fond remembrances of our recent trips to the beach and how, despite intending to relax and spend time with my family...I was preoccupied with stamping. Yes, as my mother fought for her life and her modesty against rip tides that threatened to suck her bathing suit right off her body, and my children played in the sand nearby...I was frantically searching the horizon for something I could put on a card. That's when it hit me...I'm sitting in a vast pit of this loathsome material that finds it's way into every orifice. Sand! Sand on a card! "Here son...eat a sandwich so that Mommy can have that ziploc bag to collect some sand"....But the real cherry on the icing of a beautiful day was finding a little inexpensive bag of mini ornamental shells in the shops along the boardwalk.....feeling so smug and satisfied right now...

THE LAND OF LOST CARDS...

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 18:37:00 +0000

Meet Mr. HANGNAILZNPAPERCUTZ...the happiest man alive!

Why? Well, obviously because I'm his wife lol....but seriously, I had him up at 4am sorting through 350 cards I mostly created and a few I inherited through SWAPS. Long story short....I'm way ahead of the game with the massive Christmas mailing list. I easily found 50 Christmas cards that I never sent, a boatload of Halloween and Thanksgiving AND there were still 170 to spare! This is what happens to not-so-normal people when they decide to clean house. Most domesticated goddesses would organize the linen closet, maybe pack away seasonal clothes and pull out the new season, rearrange some furniture? NOOOOOO...not me! For me cleaning house is organizing your embellishments by color, size, type, and function, cleaning out your scraps to make them look neater (and I know it is insane but this involves heavy use of the table-top paper cutter) because it drives me nuts to know that there are scraps in there with ragged edges. After that I used Goo Gone to remove adhesive stickiness from all scissors, cutters, embellishment containers, bottles, and like 30 whale punches with a Q-tip. It all felt very industrious at the time....
By then it was 4am and the hubby couldn't go to sleep because his side of the bed was the card donation pile, so that is really where the motivation to help me out came from. I'll admit there were a few cross words (the kind you don't see on mounted rubber stamps), but eventually we (think 3 faces of Eve) were all in agreeance that I'm right. The carpet looks like hell, but my crafting spot really looks good!

....and THE LAND OF LOST CARDS left Harrington, DE 19952 today 8/22/11. That box of over 100 cards has gone out. I'll keep you posted on this thread as it makes it's way around the world. If you need the address of someone to send TLOLC to post a comment here and I'll get you a recipient for the box. Thanks!

Welcome BABY SWAP @ SCS

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 07:16:00 +0000

Sometimes you have to take a break from what you are currently obsessed with to take care of PRIORITIES! I joined this Welcome Baby SWAP on SCS a few months ago and now the time has come to deliver on the goods. It didn't take me long....it was just finding the motivation to move away from what I was currently doing (which was working on another cute purse of my own) to fulfill my obligation. I signed up for a girl, boy, and neutral spot and I think I did a pretty good job. I love my Sizzix Bigz XL Onsie die and I think these little screen printed 12 x 12 acrylic sheets with the onesies are A-DOR-A-BLE!
Girl and Boy Onesie Card

Supplies: Sizzix Bigz XL Onesie die, Stampin' UP! So Saffron text cs, Delicate Dots DSP, For A Friend stamps, Spring Pictograms stamps, Very Punny stamps, scallop circle punch, scallop trim border punch, adhesive half pearls, Elementary ribbon originals, Chocolate Chip cs, Play Date DSP, silver eyelets, Making Memories Animal Crackers trims, Stampin' Write markers, Chocolate Chip craft ink.

No, these are not the best pictures....I'm having an off day, I guess. Seems like I can't get the lighting right, but I tried.

I can't wait to see what I get back in the SWAP and I should be pretty much set with baby cards for a few months. I'm sure having TOO many cards has never stopped me before, but I know I will be a woman obsessed when the Stampin' UP! Holiday Mini launches on Sept. 1st. I'll be engrossed with Halloween and Christmas for sure!

Acrylic Baby Card

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Banbury DSP, Kraft cs, sticky strip, Full of Life, Bundle of Joy Stampin' Write Markers, Michael's $1 stamp, Early Espresso classic ink, Peach Parfait IN COLORS patterns pack dsp, Whisper White cs, Crumb Cake seam binding, Hambly Onesies screen prints.

When FOACH (fake Coach) is O.K.?

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 08:39:00 +0000

When is FOACH (fake Coach) O.K? No, no, no...don't get excited! The unforgivable sin of donning a knock-off designer handbag remains intact...it's just NOT A GOOD LOOK, honey! Ever! But when you combine two obsessions like designer handbag shopping and paper crafting something good MUST come of such a powerful alliance, right. Yes, of course! My problem is I have alot of designer inspiration (see below), tons of haute couture themed stamps, and an OBSCENE COLLECTION of Stampin' Up! designer series papers. What I lacked was a vehicle to bring it all together....that's where Becky Roberts Purse-onally Perfect Notes tutorial comes in. Once I purchased the tutorial and looked up on my purse wall in the closet, I was in LOVE.......You mean I can buy all the designer handbags my little heart desires and STILL be able to afford to send a bag to a friend or loved one as a gift??....YAY! When is FOACH O.K.? When it's made with mostly STAMPIN' UP! and it turns out this ADORABLE! I love this tutorial! And I love my outlet bags! Can't you tell?

Now, it is important to remember that Coach is a house divided. Not all are equal! You have Classic Coach, including the older, more reserved iconic styles in tanned glove leather like your mother and grandmother carried. You know...original saddle leather, turnlocks, dogleash clips, and the most important feature being the fact that they didn't need the bag to say "COACH" 5000 times all over it to feel secure about themselves....like ahem....POPPY! The EXOTICS remain in a class by themselves...the pythons, crocs, and ostrich bags (I haven't quite lost all inhibition and bought one of these, yet) and the run of the mill everyday "GIRLS", you know Madison, Kristin, Chelsea, Sophia, blah, blah, blah. Truthfully, POPPY is the bane of my existence. I truly loathe the flash of sequined gaudiness, overly festive coloring and styling, the insipid overuse of the Coach logo, metallics, disturbing fonts and general appearance of being a red, hot mess! So to demonstrate that, I made a cute little purse with vibrant colors, flashy hardware, mod styling, consumption in excess, and tawdry labelsploitation, LOL! Ain't it cute! It is actually two sides of the same bag. One I glitzed out like crazy trying to use every product known to man and the other side is more carefully thought out and reflects the inspiration of my own handbags. Did I mention, I LOVE THIS TUTORIAL? They hold tons of 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 cards and envies and this one is going out in the mail to a friend this week.

More Refined Coach

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Melon Mambo cs, Lucky Limeade textured cs,, Concord Crush cs, Cheerful Treat dsp, Pink Pirouette x-wide grosgrain ribbon, Melon Mambo Pom Pom trim, Basic Bling, Flower Brads, Styled Silver podge, Top Note die, Tim Holtz tattered florals die, Martha Stewart doily trim punch, sticky strip, Swiss Dots CB embossing folder, Stampin' Up! Square Lattice embossing folder, Ranger foil tape sheets, postage stamp punch, Scor-pal, Stickles, Nesties, Dimensional Flowers Tutorial, Quickcutz Rollerskate Alpha, silver eyelets, ball chain.

Poppy (Bleh) Coach

I used Beate Johns dimensional flower tutorial for the flower....it's super easy and takes your Tim Holtz tattered florals die to the next level. I tried to duplicate the ponytail scarves that I wear on all my leather Coach bags. I don't know why I only do it on the leathers....probably because a fabric bag and a fabric bow seem like too much? Is it? Yeah, it prolly is....
I warn you this purse-onally perfect notes tutorial is not a quick project, but it is really easy and so much fun to do. I worked on this for the better part of the day in between watching TV, eating M&M's, and organizing craft supplies. It is also one of those projects that can cause a person with a little OCD or a serious Type A personality to blur the lines between something for fun and something crucial.....ask me how I know? Well, once it became apparent that I was fashioning this purse to look like a Coach bag, my mind started to fixate, I mean really obsess on the hangtag. What am I going to use for the hangtag? What do they call that type of chain used on Coach hangtags? Where in this house have I seen that type of metal chain? I did some thinking and some more thinking and some serious digging through drawers because every military wife has a set of these...I won't hold you in suspense because I'm GOING STRAIGHT TO HELL FOR THIS, but the hangtag ball chain came from the toe tag on my husbands dog tags. No, no, no....he's not dead! I'm not that irreverent....I hope?? But dismantling your beloved servicemember's dog tags for his toe tag to complete a paper crafting project is borderline craftsanity! Please pray for me because while I was looking through his stuff, I saw some really cool crap that I could hot glue to a card! That's another post, another day! ENJOY!!

Stretched to my DTGD11 limit!

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 09:15:00 +0000

It's over! Dare to Get Dirty 2011 challenges are over and I finished! Yay! Late, certainly past the 11:59pm Monday DEADLINE and not in time for a prize (*sniff*sniff), but I COMPLETED them!

37 CHALLENGES to pull out specific tools, incorporate elements, creative folds, neglected embellishments and products, fabulous SKETCHES, clever themes, techniques, and ABCs combined into 20 projects. I stretched my creative horizons into previously uncharted territory and sent myself into an insomnia fueled week of pure craftsanity. When you sit on the porcelain throne and find the familiar hexagonal backings from Stampin' Dimensionals stuck to your underwear and adhesive half pearls and bling stuck the the bottom of your sock....your mental health is definitely called into question. Dominoes, Subway, and Hardees fed the Hubby and kids, but I lived the week on COKE and M & M's....the breakfast of champions!

Sketch Challenge Wedding Card

Supplies: Stampin' UP! She's All That! Very Vanilla text cs, Basic Black text cs, Love Letter DSP, Riding Hood Red/Very Vanilla striped grosgrain ribbon, Pretties Kit half pearls, Stazon Jet Black, Riding Hood Red classic ink, Gold Lame Smooch, pinking shears, corner notch punch, Spellbinders Nesties Label die, Stickles.

This Love Letter DSP is one of my favs! Simple and classic. I love pairing it up with sparse amounts of black and pearl accents. Somehow it goes perfectly with the Tim BurtonESQUE "Nightmare Before Christmas" stylized bride. She could use a sandwich, but I do adore the starving little images...the appeal is to my darker, brooding side. I've got to remind myself to pick up some more colors of the x-wide striped grosgrain ribbon....it has got me all sorts of excited about prospects for other projects.

White Wedding

Supplies: Well Scripted, Fabulous Flowers, Ever After, Soft Sky classic ink, Marina Mist classic ink, Stazon Jet Black, Whisper White cs, Basic Black cs, Vellum, frames embossing folder, clear embossing powder, bling, adhesive half pearls, feather plumes, Swiss Dots embossing folder, corner notch punch, Spellbinders Nesties labels punch, Whisper White taffeta ribbon.

I put this little card together for a last minute wedding this past Saturday. I literally woke up 2 hours early and started on the card. CAS is not my strong suit....so I shoot for something between moderate CAS and most definitely overdone! That way, I always succeed! Whisper White was the natural choice, a simple embossed background, and then time to try and balance out some carefully selected details. I found the feather wisps among my sewing supplies when I USED to sew. They had beads threaded on and I thought they were beautiful. Bling and adhesive half pearls were talking to me and I used Rock N Roll technique on the flowers beneath the vellum layer for s pop of color. Also a little black matting to add contrast and character! I love the Spellbinders Nestie die!! Takes the classic oval shape and POPS it over the top!

Masculine Gift Box

Supplies: Sizzix box die, Top Note die, Spellbinders Nesties labels die, Buttons #5, hemp twine, linen thread, Tool Shed BG, On the Fly, Yummy, RCRW sentiment, square lattice embossing folder, Manchester DSP, Kraft cs, Very Vanilla cs, Naturals cs, Early Espresso classic ink, Stampin' Write Markers, white gel pen.

This box die is so AWESOME! The perfect size for little goodies and gifts and it can simply be a cube and be functional and funky. The object was to make it "manly" and refrain from the frilly, shiny, lovely little details that draw us women in. I used linen thread to appear "RUSTIC" and aged. Tool Shed BG stamp is very cute, but I think I covered it up too much. Better luck with that next time. On the Fly is one of my most prized masculine, country, rustic sets....perfect for my little RCRW sentiment. I also enjoyed the color layering with my Stampin' Write Markers. Usually you would use an outline stamp, but these semi-silhouette images work well too. Stazon ensured that your image won't bleed as you color over it with markers. Better than anticipated. I have loads of this Manchester DSP to use up and I guess I was initially disappointed in the way it looked, but now upon closer inspection....it is very workable!

Masculine Bookmark Card (inside)

Supplies: SU! Bronc Buster, Best Dad Ever, On the Fly, Full of Life, Button Button, square lattice embossing folder, tab punch, silver eyelets, Spellbinders Nesties labels die, Stampin' UP! perforating tool, aluminum wire, Buttons #5, Marina Mist text cs, Very Vanilla cs, Manchester DSP, Kraft cs, Early Espresso classic ink, pinking shears, vintage trinkets, rope twine, library clips, white gel pen, hemp twine, linen thread, RCRW sentiment, Top Note die.

Masculine Bookmark Card (outside)

Autumn Sketch

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Peach Parfait cs, Early Espresso cs, Very Vanilla cs, Brushed Gold cs, Houndstooth embossing folder, Lovely As a Tree, Season by Season, Earths button assortment, scallop trim border punch, adhesive half pearls, adhesive bling, Spellbinders Nesties labels die,
Sage Shadow narrow grosgrain ribbon, More Mustard narrow grosgrain ribbon.

Floral Sketch

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Fifth Avenue Floral, Tangerine Tango text cs, Lucky Limeade text cs, Whisper White text cs, Greenhouse Gala DSP, scallop trim border punch, adhesive bling, Spellbinders Nesties die, Stickles.

Monochrome Red Dress Card

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Poppy Parade cs, Whisper White cs, Summer Picnic DSP, Domestic Goddess DSP, IN COLOR DSP, Bella Rose DSP, Holiday Treasures DSP, Berry Bliss DSP, Ski Slope DSP, Ginger Blossoms DSP, other assorted DSP, Real Red Corduroy buttons, button assortment, red hemp twine, Poppy Parade ribbon, Riding Hood Red Taffeta ribbon, Real Red striped grosgrain ribbon, Cherry Cobbler scalloped polka dot ribbon, postage stamp punch, Jersey ribbon originals, adhesive half pearls, Humor in High Heels.