Cowgirl Journal

I have seen this project floating around Splitcoast for a while but had never taken the time to try it.  It is not difficult but is time consuming with the scoring of the folder pages and the binding of the pages, but I definitely will be making more.  Here is the finished product along with pictures of the different steps of completion.

Here are the folder pages in progress:

Score a piece of 12" x 12" piece of cardstock at 6" on direction then turn the page and score at 4"

 I then stamped and decorated the folders.  I decided to add a blank pages at the back.  To separated them from the folders I placed a piece of acetate and then a page of colored cardstock decorated with designer paper.  I used designer paper to decorate the cover and back of the journal.  I also used my Cricuit to add a cowboy hat and boot to the cover. 

I then put the cover, pages, and folders in my Zutter Bind It All to create the journal.

Birthday floral

Easy little birthday card.  I ran my pink cardstock through my Big Shot to provide dimension.  I love the contrast of a hot pink with black and white, and as always there has to be BLING!

Chalkboard Journals

Had a "girls' night in" with my best friend, Sherry...

The first project we made was an altered composition notebook that we covered with chalkboard paper.  We then made matching accessories to go with it.  We made a book marker, a decorated pen, and a gift bag of chalk.  Hope you enjoy the pics.

Votive Candle Holders

These little votive candle holders make a really cute gift and and are so very easy to make.  I used SU rub-ons and a little bit of bling.

My best friend came over the other night and we had a "girls' night in" and had a blast crafting.  Here is the candle holder she made.

We had the best time crafting together.  I'll post more pictures of the projects we did.

Embossed Embossing Technique

EMBOSSED EMBOSSING

This card demonstrates the technique of embossed embossing.  This particular technique can be a little tricky at times.  First you use an embossing folder to create the raised design on your cardstock, then you rub the static pouch over the entire card to help prevent embossing powder from getting on the entire card.  Next use a roller to a roller to put Versamark ink over only the raised portion of the design.  When the design is covered completely place embossing powder over the entire design then remove excess powder.  Last heat the embossing powder evenly until completely melted.  Makes a very beautiful card.

Stars and Stripes

I wanted to make a thank you card to represent the gratitude I feel for all of those who have sacrificed to ensure that we as Americans continue to enjoy the freedoms we have like no other nation. 

To all the men and women in our armed forces present and past....THANK YOU!

RECIPE:

CARDSTOCK PAPERS:
Kraft, Brilliant Blue, and Red by Stampin' Up
White glittered  by DCWV

STAMPS:
Sentiment stamp by Stampin' Up

INK:
Brilliant Blue by Stampin' Up

EMBOSSING FOLDERS:
Stars and Distressed Stripes by Cuttlebug
Stars by QuicKutz

PUNCHES:
Large and small star by Stampin' Up

RIBBON:
the Ribbon Boutique

Zebra Pillow Box

Zebra Print Pillow Box

This little pillow box was made using white cardstock from Stampin' Up the pillow box die cut by Stampin' Up.  The zebra print background stamp is by Stampabilities. I used black craft ink and black embossing powder by Stampin' Up. The pink ribbon by The Ribbon Boutique adds a splash of color.

These little pillow boxes make cute gift wrapping for jewelry, money, or other small gifts.

Whimsical Summer Flowers

This card was made by layering solid colored cardstock and adding a design paper to add pop.  I used the sentiment from the Whimsical Words by Stampin' Up.  I placed a flower with a rhinestone brad in the center layered on top of black felt ribbon to add a little bling.

Cardstock:  Stampin' Up
Patterned Paper:  Summer flowers by Recollections
Flowers:  Iced Got Flowers?
Ink:  Staz On

Cheetah Print Gift Set

This Cheetah Print Gift Set was absolutely a blast to make and is was so easy.

I bought this kraft gift box from Oriental Trading about two years ago; they are very inexpensive and also come in white.  I used black cardstock from Stampin' Up and the Cheetah print is from The Paper Studio.  I also decorated a clothespin by painting it with brown acrylic paint and then adding a strip of the cheetah print paper.  The little white candle is just an inexpensive candle I purchased from Hobby Lobby in a package of three; I used the same cheetah print paper.  On all of the cheetah print papaer I used Martha Stuart black glitter to bling up the print of the paper.

For the base of the card I used Stampin' Up white cardstock; I also used Stampin' Up black cardstock for one of the layers of the card.  The cheetah print is from The Paper Studio.  The sentiment is from Stampin' Up.

One of my favorite things to make right now are the altered composition books that can be purchased just about anywhere.  The cheetah print paper is from The Paper Studio.  I also used the cheetah print paper to decorate the clothes pin and the pen.

Altered Soup Can

The soup and fruit cans that have the pop top lid make the cutest gift wrapping for small gifts.  This technique is so easy.  I usually open the can from the bottom, but sometimes the can have a smooth bottom that prevents it.  After cleaning the can, I decorated it with zebra print paper from The Paper Studio from Hobby Lobby.  I always have to have some kind of bling!!  I used rhinestones from Hobby Lobby and a red boa from Creatology from Michaels.  Once the gift is placed in the can, use E6000 glue or JBWeld to glue it closed.  Everyone always loves getting one of these gift cans!!!

**Use the can opener that takes the entire lid off and leaves a smooth edge.

Blue Jeans Card

I had been wanting to make a card that looked like blue jeans and the easiest way I found was to just free hand it - very simple.  I used a white gel pen, a black marker, a few bling stickers, and pop dots to give the belt loop dimension.  As always e-a-s-y!!!

Painted Zebra Cross

Both of these crosses can be bought at Michaels very inexpensively.  I used acrylic paint; I painted the large cross with a hot pink and zebra striped the small one.

More Frames

A few more frames...

Composition Notebooks

Last post for today...LOL...I'll have to pace myself.  I'm just so excited to be blogging.
I just love these composition notebooks, and I buy tons of them every year in August when they are on sale for $.25.  All good crafters have a "healthy" supply of these on hand...at least that's what I told my husband.

Zebra Frames

These are a few simple frames I painted for a friend;  the frames and small crosses are from Michaels.  For under $3 it's a very cute gift.

First Blog!

It's hard to believe I am finally posting my very FIRST blog.  This is something I have been wanting to do for years, but never have been able to.  I finally graduated college this past December (at the ripe age of 40) and began my dream career as a teacher.  My husband is incredibly patient with me constantly showing him all my crafting projects.  He has been encouraging me to finally do this....so here it goes.