12 Trendy Days of Christmas Day Two: Folk Art

Day Two: Folk Art and Geny Cassady and Mary Dawn Quirindongo are playing along today! Pop on over and see what they created! :)

Photos from IKEA

The folk art/Scandinavian look is pretty prevalent. Check out Target and IKEA and you will see what I mean. Simple, graphic, and easy to mass produce for your Christmas cards.

Here is my first take. Using Spellbinders dies with cardstock easily created the Folk Art look. I stamped the sentiment after I placed the die cut images. Heat embossing it with white powder reinforced my theme.

My second card was made by punching borders. Martha Stewart’s Christmas crafts this year are full of Folk Art images. Once I again I stuck with a simple color scheme.

What do you think? Does the Folk Art look inspire you? What products do you have in your stash that would create this look? Please share with us by leaving a link to your project in the comments. thanks for stopping by!

Supplies Happy Holidays: Stamps-Hero Arts (Get Merry), Ink-Tsukineko (Versamark Watermark), Spellbinders-Fanciful Holidays, Classic Hearts

Supplies Season’s Greetings: Stamps-Hero Arts (Holiday Sayings), Ink-Stewart Superior (Palette-L’Amour), Punch-Martha Stewart

In case you missed Day One:

Day One: Mercury Glass with a video tutorial

12 Trendy Days of Christmas Day One: Mercury Glass

Welcome to the 12 Trendy Days of Christmas! I thought it would be fun to share all the trends I have been seeing in the world and give you ideas for Christmas cards and gifts! And a few of my friends are joining in the fun, so stay tuned and see who jumps in to play along! :)

And Tobi Crawford was able to play along today!! Check it out HERE! GORGEOUS!

Day One: Mercury Glass

Photo from Pottery Barn

Mercury glass is so beautiful. Just the way it sparkles, yet it is still soft and antique. I love it.

Photo from Pottery Barn

Look at these beautiful ornaments from Pottery Barn. I could have these all over my tree. They are very pricey, but I figured out a way to create the look of mercury glass, that is easy and thrifty.

Here is MY version (above) of a mercury glass ornament (click on it to see a closer view, its worth it :)) Pretty impressive, huh? I have long wanted to recreate this look, and I show you how in this video:

I hope that you will enjoy all the projects over the next 12 days! thanks for stopping by!

AND, if you are inspired, and want to play along, feel free to join in and leave a link to your blog post in the comments.

Supplies: Ornament-Michael’s, Alcohol Ink Mixatives-Ranger Silver, Copic Marker-R59

up, up and away

Gratitude Day 25: Again I am grateful for music. Music is such a huge part of my family, present and past. And holiday music brings back so many happy memories of my childhood. It is adorable to hear my son singing those same songs.

I couldn’t wait to share this Spellbinders project with you!! Making this hot air balloon was a blast! To start with, I created the basket with a Large Format Square. The edge of the basket is the Big Scalloped Border Grand and some stamped, colored, and cut out pennants from Hero Arts. The top of the hot air balloon was very easy to create. I die cut several ovals from patterned paper. Then each back was glued to the next. The ring the balloon is sitting in was bent from copper wire.

What are you grateful for today? And today marks the last day of the Month of Gratitude. Thank you to all who participated. You blessed me daily with the things that you are grateful for! Thank you for your willingness to share with me. I will be drawing winners (3) and announcing them soon.

Monday will be the start of a series on my blog called, 12 Trendy Days of Christmas!! Stay tuned for fun and inspiration!

thanks for stopping by!

Supplies: Spellbinders-Classic Ovals Large, Grand Squares, Big Scalloped Border Grand, Stamps-Hero Arts (Hello Banner), Copics-YG17, BG15, Patterned paper-My Mind’s Eye (Grown Up Happy Birthday Mary Mary Quite Contrary Patterned Paper), Twine-May Arts, Ink-Memento (Tuxedo Black), Cardstock-World Win, Neenah (Solar White)

And for those of you who like to shop, like I do! :)

FYI: i {heart} papers Black Friday sale!
One weekend - two specials!

"From Black Friday through Sunday (midnight EST) use the code black25dt for 25% off any order $25 or more. This is the biggest discount IHP has ever offered so take advantage of it while you can!

Then, in celebration of Cyber Monday, after the 25% off coupon has expired,
there will be over 600 items on steep, steep discount - some up to 50% off!
So shop early with your 25% off coupon to get what you really NEED to get
and then come back on Monday to see all the fantastic savings that are left!

(The nitty gritty details - coupon does not apply to any previous orders or
any items that are out of stock. Sale items are first come, first served and
no rainchecks apply. And, no credits will be issued if you purchase
something with the 25% off coupon and then it goes on sale at a later date.
Sorry!)"

Happy Thanksgiving

Gratitude Day 23: Another lame one, but take and bake pizza is a wonderful invention. :)

Gratitude Day 24: Today I am grateful for my little family. We are safe and at home. Happily cooking and hanging out. We are missing our families, but we are looking forward to making some of our own traditions.

Here is a little project I made for Spellbinders last year. I took a triangle shaped wooden box and turned it into a piece of pie. :)

I used the Classic Paisley die templates to make the vent holes in the top of the piece of pie. The little tag, made from Cotton Scraps from Crafty Secrets was a perfect topper.

I hope that you are enjoying your Thanksgiving! Blessings to you and yours!

What are you grateful for today? thanks for stopping by!

happy with gratitude

Gratitude Day 22: Today I am grateful for everything in this post. Grateful for the opportunities in the paper crafting industry that I have been presented with. Grateful for getting to pursue dreams that I thought were never possible. Grateful that my life has taken this path, an unforeseen path. Grateful, grateful, grateful!

This is my first bit of exciting news!!! I am a cover girl once again!!! Can you believe it?!?! This is the January issue of Card Maker Magazine. I have to confess that this is one of my favorite cards. I love the Stampendous image, Sushi, and the green and red color combo that worked outside of Christmas. Thank you, Card Maker Magazine!!! I am SO honored!!!

And here is the other exciting news! Spellbinders and DRG publishing have released a new book called, Spellbinders Nestabilities Basics and Beyond. I am thrilled beyond belief to have a group of projects in this book!! Unreal. So unreal! You can see why I am so full of gratitude today!!

What are you grateful for today? thanks for stopping by!

Mint Monday and gratitude

Friday Gratitude Day 18-For a new friend. We met a couple at the little man’s soccer league. Our sons started playing together and didn’t leave each other’s sides. Turns out they had just moved here from MN too! Its been so wonderful to have someone know exactly how I am feeling and to be missing the same things. Not to mention our boys like each other. The little man said, “J. is nice to me! He likes me!” Precious. And the weird thing, the mom and I have the same birthday! Can you believe it? So grateful!!

Saturday Gratitude Day 19-On Saturday, I was grateful for all the wonderful blog readers and new visitors from the Spellbinders blog hop. Paper crafters are such sweet people. All the comments meant so much!! Thank you!

Sunday Gratitude Day 20-Music. Oh, I am so grateful for music! Yesterday the service at church was with the orchestra and the choir, along with the worship team. It just fills my soul up with joy.

Monday Gratitude Day 21-This morning I am thankful for educators. All the teachers and education assistants that help children. Its a tough job. I know. Thank you for working so hard for our children and helping them grow and become all that God has planned for their lives!

Sorry about not keeping up, but you understand. :) You can leave up to 4 comments on this post to make up for it! :) And if you are wondering what on earth is going on, click HERE.

Here’s the Mint Monday eye candy:

Stephanie Muzzulin using Very Merry Sentiments

Cathleen Torina also using Very Merry Sentiments

Remember to email your Mint Motif projects to Kimberly1Crawford@gmail.com

Mint Monday is going to take a hiatus for the holidays. But there are some super fun things planned for my blog with my friends!! Oh, I cannot wait to share with you! *giant smiles* Be sure to tune in next Monday for the start!

What are you grateful for today? thanks for stopping by!

Spellbinders Holiday Hoppin’ Blog Hop

Welcome to the first day of the Spellbinders™ Paper Arts Holiday Hoppin’ Blog Hop! Spellbinders, along with Spellbinders are showcasing their newest products just in time for your Holiday crafting and gift giving. Lots of creative ideas are in store, as well as prizes galore! Each participating company has generously donated towards the prize package listed on the Spellbinders Blog. A total of two identical prize packages, one for each day, November 18 and 19 will be given away! To enter, just leave a comment on a participating blog! Comments in the first 48 hours of the post are eligible. One commenter each day will be randomly selected as the winner. Winners will be announced on November 22, on the Spellbinders Blog!

Be sure to see all of yesterday’s Holiday Hoppin’ blogs for inspiring projects and another chance to win!

Mona Pendleton

Gina Hanson

Deborah Young

Becca Feeken

Julie Overby

Kimberly Crawford

AJ Otto

Margie Higuchi

Beth Pingry

Jennifer Holmes

Kerry Urbatch

Shona Erlenborn

Tammy Inman

Jessica Turner

Brenda Hurd

Julie Koerber

Rae Barthel

Rachel O’Crowley

Kellie Fortin

Kristen Cohen

Joy Dickson

Candy Rosenberg

Laura Craigie

Stephanie Hester

Leesa Crutcher

Nina Brackett

Today I am using Spellbinders S4-294 Beaded Ovals die template

Here is a video tutorial on how to cut and emboss with the Spellbinders Grand Calibur

:

For today’s project, I also used products from the Rusted Sun Collection from Fancy Pants, and a new set of stamps from Gina K, called, Winter Mittens. I thought all together they would make a darling mitten hanger for an entryway! (This project measures 9x12”.)

I die cut/embossed three Beaded Ovals from cardstock. Then distressing ink was applied over the top, to bring out the embossing. I used the same ink to stamp the snowflakes both on the ovals and the patterned paper.

By adding the snowflakes and the distressing ink, I was able to take a summer collection of patterned papers and turn them into something wintery! How great to get extra mileage out of your papers with that easy technique!

Here is another look at the ovals, this one with the clothespin.

A little look at the stamped pair of mittens that I attached to the clothespins. Let’s face it, I just wasn’t quite ready to hang “real” mittens. And, if you live somewhere you don’t need mittens, then these stamped ones are perfect! :)

Now for the winning!!

Simply leave a comment on my blog to be eligible to win the Spellbinders Holiday Hoppin’ Prize Package. One winner will be chosen from all the comments on all the blogs participating today. Comments made in the first 48 hours of this post will be eligible to win. Winner’s names will be published on the Spellbinders Blog on November 22, and they will have 48 hours to reply to Spellbinders to claim the prizes.

thanks for stopping by!

Supplies: Spellbinders-S4-294 Beaded Ovals, S4-285 Nested Mittens, Patterned paper-Fancy Pants (Rusted Sun-Pool Party, Petals in the Sand), Letter stickers-Fancy pants, Trim-Fancy Pants, Button-Fancy PantsStamps-Gina K (Winter Mittens), Ink-Ranger (Distressing Ink-Frayed Burlap, Broken China, Dusty Concord), Wood plaque-Michael’s, Clothespins-Local hardware store

video tutorial

Gratitude Day 17: Lunch dates with my hubby. Being in a new place, we don’t have any baby sitters yet, so our dates are lunch. The little man goes to day care one day a week. He has since he was 7 months old. Its good for him to have to listen to another adult and to play with other children. And let’s face it, its good for mommy! :) And now its good for daddy. Adult conversation at any place we choose to eat. Ahhhh. Something not involving pizza, toys, or loud music. Yesterday was a lunch date day. Great day!

For today, I am going to share a video tutorial. Its a quick look at how I cover wood with patterned paper. Its a little peek of my project for tomorrow-Spellbinders blog hop day (Holiday Hoppin’)!! Day one of day two starts today. Check out where to start HERE.

What are you thankful for today? thanks for stopping by!

i love you

Gratitude Day 16: This week I am definitely thankful for being a stay at home mom! It has been such a privilege to be at home with my son, spending his years before school with him. It wasn’t something that I was sure I even wanted to do. And there are some frustrating days when I think, yikes. But these past four years have been the best time. I know how lucky I am.

There is a song on the radio that inspired this layout, called 1,2,3,4 by the Plain White T’s. The lyrics say, “there’s only 1 way, 2 say, 3 words, 4 you…I love you.” Super sweet and now that I have a great number stamp set from Mint Motif, I could easily create the journaling tag. But more on that in a minute. (one more note, the photo is from Valentine’s Day 2008, even better to fit the theme)

With the theme of numbers set for the layout, I placed the large numbers from, I’ve Got Your Number, on a large acrylic block.

Then I stamped the entire background piece of cardstock with the numbers and Versamark Watermark Ink.

For the journaling tag, I stamped the handwriting line from School Basics onto cardstock. Then I cut it down and rounded the corners. The numbers were stamped in red ink. When I designed the numbers, I made them fit the handwriting line perfectly. :) See yourself making tons of these tags now? Think of the possibilities! The hearts, from What a Card, were stamped in pale pink.

To add to the love theme, Classic Hearts from Spellbinders were die cut from self-adhesive felt. Making an easy embellishment.

Just a quick look at the patterned paper. Not only is it stylish with its red and text, but read it. Its all about happiness. Silly things to be happy about. A final perfect little touch! :)

What are you thankful for today? thanks for stopping by!

Supplies: Stamps-Mint Motif (I’ve Got Your Number, What a Card, School Basics), Patterned paper-Bella Blvd (Midterm-Text Me, Steve’s Keys, Mid Term Borders and Blocks/Hello Beautiful-Thanks a Bunch), Ink-Stewart Superior (Palette-L’Amour, Bella Rose, Water Lily),Tsukineko (Versamark-Watermark), Felt-Wal-Mart, Cardstock-Bazzill, Border punch-EK Success (Notebook Punch), Spellbinders-Classic Hearts

thank you

Gratitude Day 15: Today I am grateful for Mondays. Kind of weird, huh? But Monday around here is quiet. Nothing going on. No place to be, seems like an extension of our Sunday afternoon. The little man and I just hang out and have our lunch someplace besides the kitchen table. He chooses the floor of my office or in front of the TV. Lots of fun and definitely memories that I will always cherish. :) Especially when he is taller than me in a year or two. :)

Playing with the Studio Calico back40 kit leftovers. Pretty great leftovers, huh? The oval border is a sticker from Sassafras Lass.

A close up look of a vellum butterfly from Jenni Bowlin, it comes with those pearls and a foam adhesive square. Honestly, I have been hoarding the rest in the package. :)

What are you grateful for today? thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:All from Studio Calico’s back40 kit

Mint Monday

Gratitude Day 14: Today’s gratitude is quiet Sunday afternoons. Football games, the paper, naps, and left-overs for dinner. Its a wonderful way to end our weekend and get ready for the week ahead. All three of us hanging out, with no place to go, and no plans. Wonderful bliss!

The November release stamps are now available at i {heart} papers! Be sure and check out What a Card! and I’ve Got Your Number! And keep scrolling to see the sneak peek projects.

Here are some cute projects from Kelly Jo, using Beyond Borders:

And congrats to Kelly Jo for getting an honorable mention for the Moxie Fab World Blog challenge, Diggin’ On Damask, using Beyond Borders!

A card from Gretchen, using Very Merry Sentiments:

Winners of the new release stamp sets are,

I’ve Got Your Number:

Emily Niehaus says:

November 14, 2010 at 7:42 am

LOVE that house you made from the woodgrain stamp! Fabulous CAS card!

What a Card!:

Jnett's Place said...

How festive! Nice work. This new set is wonderful.

November 14, 2010 8:24 AM

Please email me at Kimberly1Crawford@gmail.com! Congrats!

What are you thankful for today? Thanks for stopping by!

A very happy birthday to my mom today!! Miss you, Mom! Wish we could be there to celebrate!! We love you!

And happy birthday to my sister-in-law Michelle! :)

Christmas countdown calendar

Gratitude Day 13: Today I am thankful for my sister and her hubby coming for a visit. We had such a wonderful time! I miss her like crazy, but we have Facebook and text messaging and so many other wonderful technologies to be able to stay in touch. Guess those are things to be thankful for as well! :)

I have been wanting to make a Christmas countdown calendar for quite sometime. Some little kraft bags from Canvas Corp. were the perfect solution! The small bags can perfectly hold a little piece of candy, movie tickets, or gift cards.

The top of each bag was folded over slightly. I used small bits of leftover lace that were on my desk on the top of each fold.

Small pieces of patterned paper were cut and the edges distressed. Then I die cut/embossed several circles, in two different sizes, from cardstock. The edges were inked and then the numbers were stamped. I also added a small stamped snowflake on each circle.

Each bag was hung from twine with a mini clothespin. Way too cute! Hope this easy and cute project inspires you to create your own countdown calendar!

What are you grateful for today? thanks for stopping by!

Supplies: Stamps-Mint Motif (I’ve Got Your Number), Hero Arts (Get Merry, Holiday Sayings), Patterned paper-Basic Grey (Jovial), Ink-Ranger (Distressing Ink-Frayed Burlap), Tsukineko-Memento (Tuxedo Black), Kraft bags and Clothespins-Canvas Corp., Twine-May Arts, Lace-Hero Arts (Lace Ribbon, Cream Self-Adhesive), Spellbinders-Standard Circles Large, Standard Circles Small, Create a Flake 2