Creativity is only a State of Mind: 2011

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Vinyled mugs with Snowman Soup

Good morning all,

I just wanted to share a very quick and easy gift I made for some very special people in my life. You know the kind...The kind that are there for you whenever you need something, even if it's just an ear. The kind that do NOT judge you no matter what. The kind that call you just to chat. The kind that invite you over for coffee just because. The kind that ask for nothing and give you everything. These two people are like parents to me at times. I am so far away from my own family that it feels great to have someone to take that roll sometimes. They are both very, very special to me. So here is a quick and simple, but from the heart, present for them.

I bought a pair of mugs and vinyled "His'" and "Her's" on them. I used my cricut and my SCAL 2 and my favorite font, Fiolex Girls (minus the hearts).

Then I made up two baggies with SNOWMAN soup. 1 package of hot cocoa mix, a few mini marshmallows, two kisses and a candy cane.

I downloaded the tag from here and it reads:

Was told you've been real good this year

Always glad to hear

With freezing weather drawing near

You'll need to warm the spirit

So here's a little snowman soup

Complete with stirring stick

Add hot water - sip it slow

It's sure to do the trick

Now I know it might not be much for such generous people, but again, it came from the "heart". Now whenever they have their morning coffee or tea they will think of me and know that I am ALWAYS thinking of them.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

AMP

Good morning and welcome to another Amazing Mold Putty creation by me. I cannot get over how much I love using this stuff. As we were putting up our Christmas tree this year and going through boxes and boxes of ornaments I came across an ornament that I absolutely love and that's when it hit me...I can make a mold and cast it and then turn it into a pin.

Here is the ornament. It's very heavy, I think its pewter, but I just love the detail in it...

I casted it using the silver metal powder that I recently got from AMP mixed in with the resin.

This stuff is so awesome

Here you can see the finished piece and the original piece.

Then I mixed up a bit of black acrylic paint with a little water, painted it and wiped the excess off

to give it an aged look. I painted the bows with red acrylic paint, the tree with green

acrylic paint and added a bit of translucent powder to the tree while it was still wet

to give it some shimmer and shine. I also snipped the "hanger" portion off of the tree

and cut a bit too deep, but I still like it a lot.

See...I cut the "tree top" off :(

Then I added a pin back and let that dry overnight and 24 hours later I have an adorable pin for my jacket

See the little snowman? I'll be showing you these next week sometime...so stay tuned for more inspirations.

I hope I've inspired you to create something with the Amazing Mold Putty because the possibilities are endless. If you'd like to see more creations by the other designers, click here. They are amazing...

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Lasting Memories #67 - "Sentimental" Journey

Good morning and happy Sunday to you all,

Today's layout for the Lasting Memories post is all about Sentiments. Titles, to me, are the most important part of a layout. Sometimes just the title is enough for me and I don't add journaling. I suppose I should so that others may know why I scrapped the pictures or the story behind them, but sometimes I just don't feel the need. This layout is of my daughter and granddaughter at Thanksgiving.

I used the MyMemories Suite V3 again. I haven't done any traditional scrapbooking for awhile because I have just fallen in love with digital scrapping. I also have a hidden agenda that I will tell you all about in a few weeks, so I hope you come back each week to check out my layouts. Everything on this page was "free" and that to me is a wonderful thing. The "title" was built using the Word Art Designer. First I created it in the pinkish color, using the color picker from the flowers on the layout. Then I created the "title" again using the Gradient color using three colors from the page and layered it upon the pinkish title. I just love the way this turned out and it took just a few minutes to create. If you haven't tried digital scrapbooking yet, you should really think about it. I didn't think I would like it much because I love the touchy-feely of the embellishments, but honestly I have to say this has been so much fun.

Now I hope I've inspired you to create a layout using a Sentiment and if you like this layout you might want to think about purchasing the MyMemories software. You can use this code: STMMMS28873 and you will get $10 off the software and also $10 worth of downloads. My Memories also has a ton of free stuff and you don't have to spend too much money.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Viva Las Vegas stamps meet Creative Paperclay®

Good morning all,

Today I am going to show you how to use your stamps with Creative Paperclay®. Recently our paperclay DT was asked if we would be interested in teaming up with VivaLasVegas Stamps and create a project using both items together. I jumped at the chance because not only do I love using paperclay and stamps but merging them would be a lot of fun. I've stamped words into my paperclay before with great results, but this time I went with an image and totally love the outcome.
So I began with my wing stamps that I ordered from Viva Las Vegas...(so many to choose from) and stamped them into the paperclay.

After the clay dried for a few minutes I cut the excess off around the wings.

then I painted them with white acrylic paint. I painted

a bit of glue diluted with water around the edges of

the wings and added some glitter to create:

this super cute ornament. I added a peachy keen face

to the glass ornament and then hot glued the wings to

the back of the ornament. Isn't this cute?

I hope you can get a chance to get yourself some Creative Paperclay®. There are so many things you can make with it and you can purchase it at Hobby Lobby, Michaels and online here. I also hope you can go out and check out the Viva Las Vegas Stamp site and check out all the fabulous stamps that are available.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Lasting Memories "Color Me Happy"

Happy Sunday all...I'm finally back with a layout for Lasting Memories. I am so glad to be on track again and I want to apologize to everyone that have missed me. I pretty much took most of the month of November off with a few exceptions, but now I am back and ready to show off some fun things. This week's challenge at Lasting Memories is Color Me Happy with a color inspiration

and a sketch...

this was just too fun to do. Back in June I was asked to make a few flower arrangements for one of my friend's son's financee's bridal shower. Wow say that 3 times fast... I had never met the bride to be, but the Mother of the Groom (my friend) purchased all the flowers and vases and all I had to do was put them together. The idea was to have the arrangements for the bridal shower and then the bride to be, 2 bridesmaids, maid of honor, 2 mothers and 3 grandmothers were to take them home. Since I didn't know too many of the participants I stayed somewhat simple, but it was fun to create them. The layout is of a few of my favorites arrangements I had made using the MyMemories digital scrapbooking program. I wanted to create a traditional layout, but I need to step back into the crafting world with baby steps...LOL Besides, I just love using the digital layout program so much. It's super easy to use and there was just a new upgrade release last Tuesday and I just had to have it...it has a few awesome changes and I am eager to figure more out.

as of right now, I still have not had to make a purchase for the software. Everything you see in this layout has been "free" and free is always a good thing. Seriously, there are so many different embellishments, papers, etc on their website that you can download for free. Of course there are PLENTY of things you can purchase, but as of yet I have not had the need. I love the way this layout turned out.

Now I hope I've inspired you to create a layout using the sketch and the color inspiration and if you like this layout you might want to think about purchasing the MyMemories software. You can use this code: STMMMS28873 and you will get $10 off the software and also $10 worth of downloads.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Elephant Receipt Holder

Good morning and welcome to another project using the Amazing Molding Putty (you can purchase it on the website or Michaels and Hobby Lobby carry it also). Check out the Amazing Molding Putty blog here. I know I haven't been around much, but I'm trying to post as much as possible. I really didn't know how much my crafting and blogging was taking over my world until I started working again. I miss all of you so much and coming to see what you've created. Most of all I miss commenting on some of your ideas because we all know comments are important. My work schedule is so all over the board that it's hard for me to get a routine set up, but I promise I will start working on posting on a more regular basis. I've got so many ideas and started projects but time is not on my side and blogging takes up most of that time. So from now on you may be seeing a few more projects, but less wording. I know, some of you are going to like that...less wording that is. Hahahaha

Anyway, onto this week's post. My new job requires me to participate in Bingo at least once a month. I really have never played Bingo much outside of at the fair, (because my youngest LOVES it) and some in grade school. Before I got my job I had never set foot inside of our local Bingo Hall. After you have purchased your Bingo package you are required to sign your receipt and keep it visible at all times so if you do "bingo" the attendant has proof of your purchase. (This way you can't cheat???). Anyway, many of the "regular" players have cute little receipt holders they have purchased or made themselves so I decided to make one for myself. You all know how much I love elephants and they are supposed to be lucky too, so I used one that hubby had bought me a few years ago.

I created a mold of it using my Amazing Molding Putty from this elephant:

and here is my mold

here is an idea of how it looks

When I took the elephant out of the mold it wasn't

completely set up yet, so I was able to add a piece

of wire into it's back using my paper piercer to

start the hold and then gently pushed the wire into it

after it completely set up the wire becomes a permanent part of

the elephant and then I painted it with black acrylic paint to give it an onyx look

I attached an alligator clip to the wire

here is another view of the elephant

and now my receipt is attached and I can go play Bingo

I hope I've inspired you to create something with the Amazing Mold Putty cuz the possibilities are endless. If you'd like to see more of my creations, click here and I will see you again soon.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Festive Friday 11/11

I want to make a basket of gingerbread cookies for a special friend this year and I thought this card would work very well to send along. I love to play on words and Merry Cookies (came in a christmas packet) worked for me. I cut the little gingerbread girl out with my E-craft and used my White gel pen to faux stitch her and red glitter glue for her buttons and bow. I love making panel cards because there is so much depth to them.

I hope you liked my Festive Friday card and hope to see you back in two weeks for another Christmas card. November will be our last month of doing this and I can't believe we are almost done, but I know I have a great variety of cards this year to give a way. Now head on over to Angela and check out what she has for you.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Anniversary card with Creative Paperclay®

Good day all

I know it's been a while since I've shared anything and I want to thank EVERYONE that has sent me emails and contacted me on facebook with your concerns. I know I had said I really wanted a job for my birthday, and not only did I get one, but I got two...and time has just gotten away from me. I seriously have not been in my craft room for sooooo long I forgot what it looked like. Even while I am typing this I feel I am in a strange place. LOL I have been working crazy hours and my sleep pattern has been very interrupted, but I am going to try to get back on track somehow...

So without further ado I wanted to share a super quick and simple card I made using an embellishment I made from a mold with my Creative Paperclay®. I love to go to discount stores and thrift stores to buy my crafting supplies. The other day I was at a thrift store and in their kitchen section was a huge bag full of cake molds. I couldn't see everything in this bag, but there was a lot and it was only $3. I couldn't wait to get home and check out my new finds. There were molds for flowers, leaves, rings, bells and birds. I needed to get an anniversary card in the mail so I thought I'd use the bird for that.

I used my Creative Paperclay® and added it to the mold and let it dry for a couple of hours.

Once I released it from the mold I let it harden the rest of the way and then I added some white metallic rubons to it and made it a glossy white.

I really like the look of this bird and I know my friends will love the card.

You can still purchase the clay at Hobby Lobby, Joanne's and some Michaels are still carrying it, so head out and get yourself some and show me something you made with it. Once you've played with it, I am sure you will love it.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

The Great Pumpkin Hop Day 2 Paper Pumpkins

Hello all,
Welcome to the 2nd day of the GREAT PUMPKIN Blog hop. If you missed yesterday's post, please scroll down. This HOP is all about the pumpkins!! NO witches, NO haunted houses ... 100% pumpkins/100% of the time!! For this hop, PLEASE make anything that focuses on PUMPKINS. Can be anything altered, handmade, card, 12 x 12 pages , 8 x 8 pages, minis, etc. If you arrived from Christina, you are in the right place, otherwise start with Amy.

I love Halloween so much because when I was growing up in Germany we did not celebrate Halloween there, so I didn't get the opportunity to go trick or treat when I was a child. When I moved to the US, I was 16 years old, so I was a tad bit too old to trick or treat. :( After having children I made sure that every Halloween was special...with homemade or store bought costumes, decorations, parties and lots and lots of candy...you name it, my kids had it. My youngest is 11 now and he claims he's too old for trick or treating, but we shall see...there's two more days for him to change his mind. HeheheWith the halloween season just around the corner, I wanted to make some pumpkins. I used a scallop cut file for the pumpkins. I sponged them to give them some depth. Then I folded them and glued together. My DS inserted the pipe cleaners in the middle and I attached a leaf. Viola...pumpkins. Much less messy than carving.

I also cut some scrap strips of paper and

ran them through my crimper to give the look of grass.

Three different sizes and shapes

This is my favorite one.

Now I hope you liked my paper Pumpkins. Your next stop will be Jamie and if you get lost, the entire lineup is below.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

The Great Pumpkin Bloghop Day 1 Pumpkin Wall Hanging

Hello all,
Welcome to the 1st day of the GREAT PUMPKIN Blog hop. This HOP is all about the pumpkins!! NO witches, NO haunted houses ... 100% pumpkins/100% of the time!! For this hop, PLEASE make anything that focuses on PUMPKINS. Can be anything altered, handmade, card, 12 x 12 pages , 8 x 8 pages, minis, etc. If you arrived from Christina, you are in the right place, otherwise start with Amy.

Now today I have a simple wall hanging for you. I made it as a teacher's gift, but you could alter it to fit anyone. I love making these signs and hope you enjoy them with me.

Last fall after Halloween Michaels had this package

on clearance and I know I paid under $1. I love

checking out the clearance section after a holiday,

you never know what you will find and this was perfect

for my project today, plus I have plenty of leftovers.

Again I started with a 7 x 7 piece of foam core.

I love using it because it's so lightweight. I attached

some Halloween scrapbook paper to it.

I created a rosette using 2 2x12 inch strips

and adhering them together. I added 2 pencils

and a pumpkin eraser on top of them.

I got this cute Happy Halloween stamp at Michaels in the

$1 bin and used my glitter pens to outline the words. I

love the effect these glitter pens have. I punched two holes

on either side of my foam core with my cropadile and add

some cute Halloween colored ribbon and tied it off in the back.

Now the pumpkin came in the kit, but I added the lines

inside the pumpkin, inked around it and the leaves. Using

the glitter pen I added a bit of sparkle and some google eye,

and upside down heart bling and the mouth came in the kit also.

The vine is also in the kit and is just some sparkly green pipecleaner.

Now I hope you liked my Pumpkin sign and hope you come back tomorrow for another project. Your next stop will be Jamie and if you get lost, the entire lineup is below.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Festive Fridays 10-28

Good morning and welcome to another edition of Festive Fridays. If you are new to us, sit back, grab a cup of coffee, relax and enjoy some wonderful Christmas Cards. Yes, I did say Christmas...Festive Fridays will be every other Friday with samples of Christmas cards. This way, you can be making your cards all year long and you will avoid the mad rush when you could be enjoying the Christmas Season. You should have just come from Amanda. If you stumbled upon this post you can go back to Terri and start at the beginning. There is also a complete list of the Festive Friday hop on the left sidebar under the Festive Fridays blinkie in case you get lost along the way.

Wow, what a busy last 2 weeks I've had. As most of you know I got a job, yeah, but it sure is breaking into my crafting time. I think in total I've seen the inside of my craft room for maybe 4 hours in the last couple of weeks...it misses me. Better yet, I miss it!!! Since I do not have any regular hours at work meaning like an 8 to 5 it's hard for me to try to get on some kind of schedule. I work any days of the week and times between 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. ugh. Not fun I tell you, but at least I have a job again. So with that being said I apologize for not being here so much, but I will continue my DT submissions and of course my " I want to do this" projects...LOL and here is my Christmas card for this week's Festive Friday.

Isn't she cute? The cut is from Filekutz and you can find it here. LisaJane's files are so easy to put together and since I also love bears (almost as much as elephants) I cannot wait to get the whole set for the holidays. Since I am on the Design Team at filekutz I get to show you lots of things and using LisaJane's files is a treat in itself for me. I've had a few ideas running through my head and hopefully I can have this idea transfer to a project for you soon. I added a peachykeen face to the bear and then some bling to her shoes and her Christmas hat. I cut out the package that was on the background paper and popdotted to her. A simple tag to complete the card and you can have it done in a matter of minutes.

Now also, don't forget that Filekutz has a new bi-monthly program starting and you can find all the details here and while you are there, sign up for her newsletter so you will be sure not to miss a thing she has coming up:

I hope you liked my Festive Friday card and hope to see you back in two weeks for another Christmas card. November will be our last month of doing this and I can't believe we are almost done, but I know I have a great variety of cards this year to give a way. Now head on over to Angela and check out what she has for you.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

AMP Skull Candle

Good morning and welcome to another project using the Amazing Molding Putty. If you missed my first tutorial using this stuff, click here. Since I've had this stuff I have made some amazing things but this is one of my favorite tuts. Now I did not use the Molding Putty for the first project, but the second one I did so keep reading.

I started by melting some candle wax in my pot

all melted....

Then I cut my candle wicks to the desired length of the mold

and poured my wax into the mold

I put them in the freezer and they were ready in 10 minutes

I laid my wick on one side of my candled skull

added a bit of wax ontop of it

and squished the two pieces together

and created a tiny skull candle.

3D skull candle.

another look

Here I made a mold of Winnie the Pooh's face

with the Amazing Mold Putty

melted down some old candles I had

Poured my wax into the mold

again, put it in the freezer for 10 minutes

here is one half

laid my wick again onto the one side of the half

and covered it with some more wax

to create my 3D Winnie the Pooh candle