More Fun Tutorials: My Creative Scoop, Creative Smiles, and Ink On My Fingers

Hey, Crafters!

Here are some more fun blogs with creative tutorials!

1.  Mindy Baxter of My Creative Scoop!  If you are like me, you can always use help coloring with Copics.  In her fabulous step-by-step tutorial, Mindy shows you How To Color Grass.  If only my grass could look like hers!

Isn't this just too cute?

Pay Mindy a visit, give it a try!

Come back here and post your project in our Never-ending challenge!

2.  Donna Ellis of Creative Smiles!   Donna's fabulous Butterfly Flutter design is just off the chain.  I love tall cards, I love creative die designs and I love this project!  The tutorial is cogent and beautifully photographed.  

Lovely work and the palette is simply stunning!

3.  Billie, over at Ink On My Fingers, is one of my favorite designers.  Her designs are creative and fun!   Billie usually spotlights interesting techniques and this week she created a fabulous fall scene using the Masking Technique.   If you did not know differently, you would think it is a single stamped image.   Great Job, Billie!

I really thought the leaves and the ant were one stamp!

Stop by and leave a little love on the blogs of these wonderful designers!  Thank them for sharing their talent and inspiring us all!

Hugz,

Chana Malkah

Really Reasonable Ribbon - Flower Petal Tutorial

Hello, Crafty Peeps!

It has been a while since I updated this blog.  Illness and prior crafting commitments overwhelmed me and I had to take a break.  I am back now and the first thing I want to share is as link to Bonnie Garby's " Make Time To Craft" blog.    Bonnie is the owner of Really Reasonable Ribbon and she always has wonderful project ideas for creating unique designs.  Click the link and watch!

Kanzahi Video Tutorial - Create A Petal

Double-Embossing - A Tutorial

Hello, Crafty Folks!

I have been super busy this summer!   I was invited to be a Guest Blogger for ClearSnap®.  I am a long-time fan of the company and their inks were the first I ever used back when I began creating stationery.

Double-embossing is a technique I used to create a tutorial for the ClearSnap Blog.   I am sure there is another name for it, but I wanted to do something different and decided it would be fun to mix wet (heat) embossing with dry (embossing folders) embossing to create visual interest.

The process is simple.  If you are new to crafting, embossing is easy to learn.  For seasoned crafters, it is something you already know.  This tutorial  is to help you think differently about ways to use embossing techniques to enhance your creations.  

I find it more economical to create my own "faux" metallics with embossing.    ClearSnap® Copper Embossing Powder is my favorite.

This is a fun way to create visual interest and maintain a CAS design!  For this fun quilted design, I used ClearSnap® Silver Embossing Powder and We Are Memory Keepers' Next Level "Quilted" Embossing Folder.

To create a different visual on this card, I simply changed the direction of my embossing folder.   I created a fun detail on my word bubble by wet embossing the edges. 

I hope you will give this technique a try!  I would love to see your results!

Hugz,

Chana

An InLinkz Link-up

DIY - A New Life for some Old Jeans - The Miller's Daughter

Hello, Crafty Persons!
I have not posted here in a while and I apologize for that.  I have had a few health challenges but am feeling much better now and ready to jump off the deep end, again!  

I want to share a cute project that was created by Aurora Marco over at The Miller's Daughter.    Aurora is a legacy member of the Avenue 613 Design Team who recently had to step away to maintain balance in here creative and personal life.   Her final project with us was so creative and so adorable I wanted to share it here.   I know she would love to see how you repurpose your old jeans!
                AURORA MARCO of The Miller's Daughter

For lining this folder, I used the leg of some old jeans. I cut it open and draw around the folder for knowing the fabric that I needed. Than I prepared the fabric by adding some iron-on double side adhesive on paper carrier, like Bondaweb or whichever is the brand that you use.  This is the kind of adhesive used in patchwork for fabric appliqué.

Then I lined the folder in the same way that I would have done if I were using paper, only that I used my iron to stick it on instead of using double tape or glue.

You can find tons of fun projects on Aurora's blog!    Please stop by and leave a little love.  Remember, you can enter your project in our never ending challenge or, if you like, you can leave a link to your project in the comments section!

Hugz,

Chana  

Beach House "Cleaning Supplies" Tote

Hi, Peeps,

It has been a while, but I have a new project to share!   I was invited to be a Guest Blogger with ClearSnap® and well spend June, July, and August working with their wonderful products.  You are probably most familiar with their ColorBox® Inks and Smooch® Pearlized Inks.

I hope you will join us for our June Color Challenge.  

We would love to see your Beach, Nautical, Coastal, or just Cool Summer creations.

CLICK HERE FOR CHALLENGE

I created this Beach Cottage Tote as a house warming gift for a friend who is moving to Tybee Island off the coast of Savannah.  I filled it with our favorite Ms. Meyers® cleaning supplies, a few sponges, added a huge bow and the perfect house warming gift was born!  

The Tutorial and Deets can be found on my blog:  REDORA LEE DESIGNS

Looking forward to seeing your designs!

Hugz,

Chana

DIY - Home Decor

Hello, Crafty Peeples!

I have really gotten into DIY projects.    When I realized that my DM would keep me from spending time in my garden, I had to find another outlet.   Refreshing my home is my summer project.  Today I am sharing the refurbished vanity in my guest bath.   I am putting up a link, should you like to share some of your DIY projects!

I hope to get an information page done on Chalk Paints and Inks because they are quite popular and the price is coming down a bit.

Hugz,
Chana

BEFORE

 AFTER

 I even freshened up the accessories!   

SHOUT OUT TO FEATURED PROJECT: Kelly at Sandcastle Stamper

Hello, Crafty Peeps!

It has been many years since I was a room mother, but a recent submission by Kelly over at Sandcastle Stamper reminded me how much fun it was to craft for and with the kids.

Here is Kelly's Cinco de Mayo project.  I think it could be modified to work for a variety of celebrations, probably a birthday party.

Primary colors always work well with children's projects!  Thanks Kelly for sharing with us!

Get all the fun details on Kelly's Blog.  Remember crafting does not have to be complicated to be fun!

Stencil Poinsettia

Hey, Crafty Peeps!

Thought I would drop in and share an idea!  Have you ever thought about using a stencilled image as though it were a die cut?  I do it a lot on my canvases and I have done it a lot with images created using my "old school" metal stencils but this was the first time I used a plastic stencil.

I think the results are great!   I needed a large Poinsettia and none of my dies were large enough, so I broke out my ColorBox Poinsettia Art Screen and went to work!

I used Neenah Natural White 80lb Laid Cover because the texture is canvas like and works well with chalk inks.  This paper also works well with watercolor

Supplies Used:

Stencil:  ColorBox® Art Screen, Poinsettia!  
Inks:      ColorBox® Paintbox™, Primary Colors - Pigment Inks
              ColorBox® Paintbox™, Chalk Ink - Mercantile
              ColorBox® Pigment Inks: Chamomile, Kismet
              Ann Butler Designs™for ColorBox® Crafts™Ink - Desert Sand
Embossing Folder:  WRMK, Next Level Folder - Butterfly
Tools:   ColorBox® Stylus Tool, Cotton Tipped Swabs

Visit ClearSnap® to see all the wonderful ColorBox products!

I would love to see your projects using a stencil as a die cut!  Some of the intricate stencils might be fun and create some really funky designs!

HUGZ!

CHANA

An InLinkz Link-up

Upcycled Mini Rocker

Hello, Crafty Folks!

I must admit my time management has sucked lately!  Between Passover and illness. I have struggled to get back on track with my to-do list.  The great thing about this site is that I created it as a reference site and I have a little more leeway for updates.

Today I am sharing a project that is on my blog and that was created for Earth Safe Finishes® Paints. 

Upcycling The Hubster's Goodwill finds has become a high point in my DIY/MIY journey.  Although I still enjoy card making, the idea of continuing the useful life of a piece of furniture or even an old bottle is exciting to me.  I love the transformation.  This chair was dusty and the seat and back were soiled and torn when The Hubster handed it to me.  "I know you can make this pretty, baby," was his only comment.  The Hubster doesn't talk much!

I think the greatest thing for me about this project was the fact that my eldest grandson asked if he could have it once I finished.  He said it was cool and would make a great home for his Yokai Plushies.  That is a fabulous compliment!

One of the greatest finds for me has been the DCWV Burlap Paper Stack.  I wanted to create interest on the back of the chair, so I cut one of the decorative squares from my burlap fabric and decoupaged it to a piece of the DCWV burlap paper and it really looks cool.  I found a beautiful Bo Bunny Brad to add to the top and we were good to go!

I created the chair cushion and the pillow from some scrap pieces of foam leftover from The Hubster's upholstery project.  The addition of a little Bo Bunny Brad made all the difference for my pillow.  I thought about tufting the seat but time was not on my side.  Next Time!

I encourage you to look at everything around you as a canvas or even as a blank piece of cardstock.  I have taken ideas from cards and transferred them to upcycled home decor projects.  The sky truly is the limit!

HUGZ and Happy Crafting

Chana Malkah

Long Time No Post! - A Cute Gift Idea -

Hello, Crafty Peeples!

Sometimes new crafters are intimidated by the projects they see on FaceBook and some of the challenge sites.  Creating fun and interesting gifts is not always so involved and last week we had a submission that I loved and thought it would be fun to share with you.

Huge Shout Out and Thanks to Tracey Fehr

of

 Today's Beautiful Moments...Tomorrow's Beautiful Memories 

Tracey provides a list of the supplies she used and there is also a link to a video that will help you if you are interested in creating shaped cards.    I plan to make a few of these for Mother's Day gifts.

As always, remember that you can create your project using the materials you have on hand.

If you decide to create this project, we would love to have you share it with us!

An InLinkz Link-up

Challenge # 11 - Up-cycled Banana Stand

Hello, Crafty Beginners!

This week's challenge is:  Upcycle a common household item.

We all have things around the house that could use a little Spring sprucing up.  I have decided to spruce up anything that is remotely connected to my illness.

I eat a lot of Bananas because I NEVER want to have to take potassium again.

THIS IS MY UPCYCLED BANANA STAND

Supplies:

Banana Stand

Napkins

Chalk or Acrylic Paint

Decoupage Glue

Matte Varnish

Bananas

Disassemble and Wash thoroughly with warm soapy water.

 I allowed mine to air dry for a day before I started painting.

No one has entered a project in the challenge in the last couple of challenges, so I am not setting up a link.  If you decide to upscale one of your household items and want to share it with me, you can enter it here - Never Ending Challenge

Have A Fabulous Week!

Hugz,

Chana

Challenge #10 - Creating Stationery Ensembles

Hello, Crafty Folks!

THIS CHALLENGE WILL END ON
APRIL 4, 2016

I love creating Stationery ensembles as gifts for friends and family.  I think what I enjoy most is personalizing the sets.  We all enjoy seeing our names displayed (maybe not in lights) but personalized stationery does makes a statement.

As always, I will have a link at the bottom of this page to share your projects, if you like.  This is a information blog and I hope you will find articles and projects that will both inspire and educate. 
The challenges are just for fun and inspiration.

This ensemble was create for my Sister-In-Law

HOW IT WAS DONE

Materials:

6 oz nut can (or other canister)

Empty corrugated cardboard box

Americana® Decor™ Chalky Finish - Serene

DecoArt® Dazzling Metallics - Glorious Gold and Splendid Gold

Americana® Decor™ Créme Wax (Clear)

Americana® DuraClear™ Matte Varnish

Text Weight Stationery Sheets - (or a collection of your handmade Cards, ATCs, and Tags)

Designer Papers:  I used Graphic 45 Gilded Lilly (you will need the sticker sheet)

Tissue paper

Alterations Box Corners

Misc. metal embellishments.

ONE: Box Preparation

I am a big fan of repurposing.  Two of my Ranger Inks Distress Kits was shipped this way.  I held on to them for stationery ensembles.  Your box can be any size or shape.

I painted the lid, allowed it to dry, and then applied a coat of Decou-Page™

I crumpled a piece of light green tissue paper, opened it and applied to the still wet Decou-Page™

Using an Emery board, I removed the excess tissue. This method also works on canvases.

You get a very clean edge!

My goal was to create a lid that resembled old slightly cracked marble. I played around with the paint job until I arrived at a result closest to my vision.  I sealed this with both wax and varnish.

THE CANDY CANISTER

CLICK HERE FOR TUTORIAL

(IN THE TUTORIAL, I COVER THE CANISTER WITH DP.  IN THIS PROJECT,  I PAINTED THE CANISTER AND APPLIED GILDED LILLY STICKERS.

THE VASE

CLICK HERE FOR TUTORIAL

I hope some of you will get a chance to create your own ensemble.  Remember, you can enter projects until the end of the year.

THIS CHALLENGE WILL END ON
APRIL 4TH  but the link up will be available until the end of the year.

An InLinkz Link-up

Challenge #9 - The Quaker Oat Box Challenge - Repurpose A Cardboard Food Container

Hello, Crafters!

Daylight Saving Time (United States) 2016 begins at 2:00 AM on

Sunday, March 13

Repurposing is a great way to help save our environment.
  This challenge to both beginner and seasoned crafters, is:
Create a project using a Quaker Oats Canister or any cardboard food container.
This Challenge runs for two weeks

March 7th - March 20th

 

I realize not everyone will have a quaker canister, so, feel free to use any cardboard food container.   I am going to use a Quaker Oats Canister for my project and will post it here when it is done.  At this point, I think I am going to create a holder for my tea light candles.

Here is a list of supplies you will probably need to complete your project:

Gesso 

Chalk, Milk, or Acrylic Paint

Mod Podge® or some other Decoupage Glue

Decoupage Paper or Designer Papers

Wax or some other Sealant (you can use Mod Podge, if you prefer)

One key to repurposing is to have a clear idea of the new purpose of your canister.

Another important element is identifying a theme and building your design around it.  For instance, I think my tea light holder will live in my dining room, so I am looking at colors, papers, embellishments, etc., that will work well with the decor in that room.    

If you are creating a gift, take into account the personality of the recipient and, of course, the occasion.  And, finally, you must make sure that your creation will be durable, so construction is very important.  I always reinforce the bottom of my canisters by adding a piece of heavy duty chipboard or  corrugated cardboard. 
BE CREATIVE AND THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX!

HERE ARE LINKS TO A COUPLE OF FOOD CONTAINERS PROJECTS
HOPE IT PROVIDES SOME INSPIRATION.
CARDBOARD CANDY CANISTERS
REPURPOSED QUAKER OATS BOX 

Lighting the Shabbos Candles was my first Mitzvot observance.  

When a Jewish woman lights her candles and welcomes Shabbos into her home, she ignites the spiritual light that will guide her family, not only through Shabbos, but also through the ensuing week.

I created this project to hold the tea light candles that I use to welcome the Shabbos Angel.

The silhouette represents the Jewish woman who safeguards the spiritual integrity of her family.

The clock represents Ecclesiastes 3:1 "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."

The matchbox fulfills the Mitzvos to use beautiful things to honor HaShem and the beauty of the Shabbos Commandment given to the Jewish people.

The Step Tutorial will post to my blog on Saturday.
This project was completed in my capacity as a blogger for DecoArt®.  All paint and decoupage products used were provided free of charge by DecoArt®

An InLinkz Link-up

Challenge #8 - Color Challenge - Rusty Chairs

Hello, Crafty Folks!

This week we are tackling the old COLOR Challenge!

Draw your inspiration from this photo.  You can mix and blend the colors as you please.  

Your project can be a card, tag, altered object, scrapbook layout, or mixed media.  The purpose of this challenge is to increase your understanding of Color Theory in design.

Try to limit your neutral colors to 1 or 2

 

Turquoise  Red  Orange  Brown

MIXED MEDIA CHALLENGE TOP THREE

We only had two entries last week, but both were fabulous! 
Thanks, ladies for playing along.  I hope you will join in this week as well!
Don't forget to grab your badges!

HEATHER of MY ART JAM

DEONNA B of FOR THE LOVE OF CARDMAKING

THE MEANING OF COLOR

(excerpted from)

Understanding Color & The Meaning of Color

By Joel Lumon Black

Color meanings vary from culture to culture, and will influence the impact your design has on your targeted audience. Here is a list of a few meanings on how colors are interpreted by brands:

Color Wheel

Hue is the primary value of a color and how the color red, green, blue, purple, etc. is perceived through the eye.

Saturation of a color is the overall intensity or brightness of the color, any color that appears dull is referred to as desaturated.

Value is the lightness or darkness of overall colors schemes.

Blue: Security, Trust Worthy, Stability, Loyalty, Wisdom, Confidence, Trust, Friendliness, Preservation, Courage, Science.

Green: Wealth, Money, Calming, Trees, Ambition, Endurance, Healing, Calm, Generosity, Natural, Completion, and Protection.

Red: Energy, Power, Vigor, Leadership, Courage, Passion, Activity, Joy.

Yellow: Optimism, Childish, Freshness, Law, Education, Arrogance.

Pink: Romantic, Feminine, Love, Beauty.

Orange: Cheerful, Passion, Pleasure, Enthusiasm, Fascination, Creativity, Fun.

Black: Powerful, Mysterious, Elegance, Sophistication, Functionality. 

OTHER TIPS FOR UNDERSTANDING COLOR THEORY

• Research Trends
• Read design magazines
• watch television commercial, see what colors are popular
• watch fashion trends
• Watch Tutorials
• YouTube Videos
• Design Gallery Videos and Tutorials (SCS, StampTV, etc.)
• Experiment
• Use the colors from your paper stash,.mix them up in unusual ways
• Keep a color journal with your favorite palettes

Project Specifications

Materials Used

Amber Bottle (Kevita® Sparkling Porbiotic Drink)

Designer Papers:

  Prima® Almanac Collection 6"x6" Paper Stack

  Simple Stories® Snap™ Basics 6"x6" Paper Pad

Dies:

  Sizzix® Alterations™ Alphanumeric (3/4" Tall)

  Memory Box® Open Studio™ Stitched Heart Layers

Select Your Bottle

   I Used Goo Gone and two cycles in my dishwasher to clean the bottle

I collect these bottles, so I have a supply on hand,  

You can skip the dishwasher, just make sure that no glue or other debris remains.   

 I cut my design papers down to 5".  Two sheets were required to cover the bottle.  I placed a 1/4" piece of Scor-Tape along one edge and joined the two sheets together.  I then wrapped the paper around the bottle and measured for a 1/4" inch over lap.  

Once I had the correct length, I added Scor-Tape around the edges.   

Cut your acetate circle a bit larger than your circle.  My acetate circle and my hole are the same size.  so, to hold the cover in place, I applied Scor-Tape.  I had to apply it so a litte is inside the circle.

 I played with my embellishment and other challenge colors.  I determined the position for my label and cut a hole in the paper.

 I applied a layer of Gesso to the bottle.  I made it smaller than the size of my paper.  After it dried, I applied Mod Podge to the back of my label and to the Gesso.  Gentle pressure was applied to seal.

Apply Designer Paper and Bottle Top Treatment.

I apologize for the bad photography!  I will try to get better pictures and post them later!

Thanks for stopping by!

Chana

An InLinkz Link-up