Diane's Studio

Fall Leaves in Rustic Metal

2011-10-01T11:16:00.000-04:00

Although it's always sad to see Summer go, it's not so hard to replace it with a season as beautiful as Autumn. Here is a project to keep the look of fall leaves around just a little bit longer. Using a Leaf Punch, and some Alcohol Inks, this can be done in no time.
We are gearing up for the busy Holiday Season but please remember to slow down long enough to enjoy the simple things all around us.
Diane

Christmas in July- Easy Ornament

2011-07-31T11:02:00.001-04:00

This ornament is so much easier than it looks. I used clipart from Dover but you can use black & white photos as well to give a personal touch. Just print on Inkjet Printable Acetate. For complete instructions log on to Ranger Inks Yahoo Group.

The Holidays will be here before you know it!
Diane

Springtime in Sugar

2011-05-15T21:14:00.000-04:00

It's amazing what you can do with a little sugar and a little practice. There are so many techniques and neat ideas for making things out of Fondant and Gum Paste and there is always something new to try.

If you would like to step down this creative avenue don't be afraid to try a new craft. Each new craft venture helps you build new skills on top of what you already know.

Diane

Homage to Chocolate

2011-01-27T17:13:00.000-05:00

The joy of chocolate in all its forms! This collage is full of hand stamped elements including the photograph, black mat, lace and of course the M&M's and Hershey bar. The chocolate pieces are made of polymer clay.
Every day needs to include i bit of chocolate in it don't you think?
Diane

Grateful for the Memories

2010-12-01T09:37:00.000-05:00

Although some of these people are no longer with me, I am grateful to have known them and embrace the impact they have had on my life. It's not always easy during the holidays to be without those we love, but we learn to embrace even tighter, the ones we have in front of us. Hug someone today.
Diane

A Cherry on Top, How Cool is That!

2010-12-01T09:05:00.000-05:00

Fellow artisan and blogger Teressa Thompson honored me with the Cherry On Top Award! A big thank you to Teressa for selecting me! You can check out Teressa site Green Isles Crafts HERE
One of the stipulations to fulfill when receiving this award is to list 3 things I like about myself or 3 things I like to do (which is way easier to list)
So.......I love watching old classic black and white movies, I love listening to most any music on my ipod- but it has to be deafeningly loud, and I love to laugh.

And now it is my honor to pass the award on to 5 other creatively inspiring people.

Holly Craft - Today's Creations
Mary Hamer - Pieces of Home Designs
Julie Koerber - Out to Impress
Michelle Forest - Inky Scraps
Rebekka -Diamond in the Rough

ATC's Revisited

2010-10-26T19:51:00.000-04:00

While going through some boxes, I discovered a stash of ATC's (Artist Trading Cards). I'd forgotten how much fun it was to come up with a design based on the monthly challenge theme. There was great excitement when our group traded the cards and we would open these little treasures to see what everyone came up with. It's a great way to use your supplies, meet new crafters, and stretch your imagination. If you haven't done them in awhile, or have never done them at all, go online to find a group and give them a try!

Diane

Old World Charm

2010-10-05T18:21:00.001-04:00

The look of an old world tile can be made with some stamps, ink and paper. Inspired by a friend and their love of Italy. Love of food, family and fond memories. Things to be cherished in the everyday.
For compete directions on this project, check out Ranger Inks Yahoo Group.
Diane

Art & Food

2010-09-03T22:59:00.000-04:00

There's nothing like bringing two passions together, and for me it's anything crafty and food! The warm weather last weekend brought crowds to the Pocono State Craft Festival. What a way to celebrate the last remaining sunny days of summer than with some Sunflower cookies. Talent takes many forms and looking at the selection of mediums people enjoy working with is quite inspiring. Take time to create, eat a bit, and enjoy the momentary treasures around us.

Mistakes

2010-08-06T10:36:00.001-04:00

Often what we think of as mistakes can really be usable when we look at them differently. In taking pieces of a scene, a stamped image or drawing and putting them into blocked tiles can give a whole new look. These are coated with 3 layers of clear Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel to give the look of an actual tile (can be seen much better in person) Try it with random pieces of your "mistakes".

Diane

Embrace Simple Joys

2010-06-28T09:46:00.000-04:00

It's good to slow down and pay attention to the simple joys of the everyday. To be quiet.

Grasp the memories each day will create. A trip to Quiet Valley Historical Farm is always a treat

to escape to. While there, I sampled some Lavender Mint butter. What a wonderful way to use what's already in the backyard. Simply take some sprigs of mint, a few fresh lavender blossoms, chop finely and blend into softened butter.

Find something to celebrate today.

Diane

Acetate Background Technique

2010-06-11T09:16:00.002-04:00

This card has a patterned, watercolor type background which I created on a sheet of clear acetate. It's easier than you think and can be done with simple tools in almost any color.
I am working on a Youtube video to show you just how to accomplish this look and will post it here as soon as I'm done.
Enjoy your day,
Diane

25 years and counting.....

2010-05-29T08:42:00.006-04:00

As I look back on the 25 years my husband & I have spent together, I can't help but think how truly blessed we have been. My brother Eddie took this photo of us as we were rushing back to the car as it began raining. That is where our journey began.
Today I am very grateful and look forward to the road ahead as we walk it together.
(photo on this card has been covered with clear micro beads)

Diane

Mom

2010-05-10T08:37:00.002-04:00

My mother is a unique woman with an amazingly strong charactor. It is a joy to honor her for Mother's Day. A simple feast of Chinese take-out coupled with cherished siblings and good conversation. Blessings to mothers everywhere.
Diane

Scenic Stamping Tutorial

2010-04-20T09:45:00.011-04:00

Making scenic cards can be intimidating so I showed how it's done on Youtube.
The Stampscapes company makes a huge variety of scene components that you can combine to create any scene your imagination can dream up. Watch the video and give these stamps a try.
click here

Diane

Let the Fun Begin

2010-04-09T14:13:00.004-04:00

What fun and exciting times await us with the start of Spring- which only means my favorite place in the world, Knoebels Amusement Park will be opening shortly! Yes, I am a roller coaster junkie! It also means its time for the Heirloom Rubber Stamp and Papercrafting convention this weekend! If you are in the Allentown area, I hope to see you there. In the meantime, check out some wildly creative ideas on the CraftCast website. Allison is always coming up with new ideas and great people to talk to. You can subscribe to her free podcast. Just go to www.craftcast.com and "get you butt in the chair and keep crafting"
Diane

Gratitude

2010-03-10T15:39:00.004-05:00

It only takes a moment to show someone you care. A kind word of encouragement, a smile a note to let someone know you are thinking of them and that we are grateful for them. Let's not focus on what our losses, but on the wonderful things we do have. Each of us have many blessings to be counted.

Diane

To My Valentine...Rough or Soft

2010-02-12T09:01:00.005-05:00

Traditionally, Valentines are always on the softer side. I thought I'd mixed things up this year and do a multi-textured Valentine. Rough rusted metal (achieved with Distress inks and embossing powder) mixed with feathers, pearls, canvas, faux keys and velvet (my favorite!).
Harmonious colors bring it all together. Trust your eye, move things around until it "clicks"
Lastly, don't forget some chocolate to celebrate the Holiday! (another favorite!)
Diane

Sisters

2010-02-03T07:31:00.003-05:00

One of the pleasures of Winter is watching the birds outside my window. I am not the only one who enjoys this pastime. My cats, sisters we got as kittens, love to watch them as well. They sometimes fight with each other to get the best view. Here is a page I did comemorating their relationship.
Enjoy Winter's blessings,
Diane

The Journey Continues...

2010-01-18T20:39:00.005-05:00

As the start of 2010 begins, we can put the somewhat bitter memories of 2009 behind us. Regain order from the chaos of the Holiday whirlwind, and take a quiet moment to look ahead.
My journey continues as I approach a new career path. one of stability and a God-given direction. One that will allow me time to explore my creative endeavors.
Best wishes for new beginnings ahead in your life as well..

Pie that's fit for a queen

2009-11-15T22:45:00.008-05:00

I am so thrilled for my cousin Karen. She got to bring her award winning pie recipe to the Martha Stewart Show! She (and her pie) will appear on Monday's show (nov. 16th) Karen is one of 5 finalists and her's is the only pie that has the show name written on the crust! I've never got to try Karen's Apple-Pear Blueberry pie before but I know it will be on my Christmas list.
WAY TO GO KAREN !!

Diane

Finally...........

2009-10-30T22:18:00.006-04:00

Finally.......after many submissions, One of my cards was chosen to be in the latest issue of Rubber Stamp Madness magazine! With fewer stamp magazines on the market these days, it's become increasingly difficult to be published in one.
This is an offbeat style magazine and as such, my card includes a moose wearing lipstick and pearls! On paper, anything goes.
Now it's on to Holiday cards, time is running out!
Diane

Metal Madness

2009-10-20T07:52:00.004-04:00

I just love working with metal!! Tried the new metal tools from Walnut Hollow and they are just fantastic! You can draw freehand, use textured stencils or put through your die cut machine. The kit also comes with great metal scissors. the kit is a great price at AC Moore.
Enjoy your day.
Diane

Fall is here

2009-09-25T08:11:00.003-04:00

Fall is here whether we like it or not. Instead of getting depressed at the thought of the upcoming Holiday madness or the blistery snow. I chose to celebrate by making this card.
* For step by step instructions, log on to Ranger Inks Yahoo Group*
All the best,
Diane

Time

2009-08-26T20:56:00.004-04:00

Time seems to be getting the best of all of us. As the summer winds down and we look ahead. We all wonder where the time has gone. We need to remember to not waste a
moment of time. Time is precious and it's something we can never retrieve once it's gone. Take time to make a difference in someone's day, A hug, a smile, a word of praise or appreciation.
"teach us to count our days, make our days count"
Diane
* for step by step instuctions of this stamped collage, visit the Yahoo Group for Ranger Inks