Tuesday, October 31, 2017

We Craft New Monthly Stamps!

Have you heard of the new up and coming cyber crafting community -- We Craft? IT is a place where crafters can go for inspiration, education and to share ideas. It is a pretty exciting concept! A new artist created a set of stamps for each month of the year exclusively for We Craft. This is what I did with the October set:


Here is an introduction to all of the stamps as well as a quick tutorial on how to make an ATC:

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting!

Monday, October 30, 2017

Owl Always Love You

 I decided to do a fun twist on a card, but making it into a circle. This card looks like it was time consuming to make, but it really was not!

Check out all the tips and trick as well as how I made it here: 
You can find all the supplies at Brutus Monroe


Until next time ~ Happy Crafting!

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Halloween Card

For this card I stamped the NEW background stamp -- Baroque on gold card stock with Raven Detail Ink. I was torn. I did not know if I was going to make it into a Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas card. It can work for all three! Since Halloween is this Tuesday I decided to go with that! The little cameo is a 3-D sticker from the Martha Stewart Halloween line (that is why it is hard to see!).It cam together relatively quick! Once I had the background stamped and trimmed down I ran three pieces of washi tape along the bottom and embellished it with gems and a sparkly spider. 
I am over on the Brutus Monroe Blog today with this card. There are also seven new stamp sets in the shop (this being one of them), so make sure you check them out!

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting!

Friday, October 27, 2017

Making a Heritage Album the Safe Way

My Mom sent me some photocopies of family pictures that go back almost a 100 years. I actually am relieved that they were copies because I could make a historical album with them and the stories without to much concern to ruining them. A blog post is far to lengthy on the stories behind the pictures and the walk thru so I created a video for you:
I created this album as a project for WeCraft. It is a website for the crafter. Go check it out and poke around :-)

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting!

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Handmade Christmas Cards

I joined a swap to exchange 10 handmade cards for Christmas. I used Christmas lines I am currently obsessed with to create this cards:



The Dies are from Brutus Monroe
The Foiled Paper is from Rinea
The Digital Downloads are from Calico Collage

Here is a great tutorial on how to put a handmade card together: 

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting! 


Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Let It Snow!

I know it is not even Halloween yet, but I am trying to get a head start on my Christmas cards. I just can't resist the snowy fun things out right now -- probably because I don't live in the snow! 
 I used a fun build your own snowman as the base for this card! I added some stickles to look like a pile of snow and some bottle cap sequins. One of my favorite things to do is not only emboss the sentiment, but also the edges. To create the background I applied white pigment ink on a snowflake stencil and embossed it with icicle embossing powder. 
For all the supplies to make this card please visit Brutus Monroe .

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting! 


Tuesday, October 24, 2017

November 2017 Happy Planner Set Up!

I have desperately missed my Happy Planner. It is the first planner I ever used and old habits die hard. I have enjoyed my TN, but I have noticed that I pretty much just make it cute and don't utilize it like the Happy Planner. So, for the month of November I am going back to my first planner love -- the Happy Planner! I do plan to use my TNs for another form of planning, just not my everyday family life.

The October 2017 The Planner Society kit is GORGEOUS. I used it to set up my planner.







Here is a tutorial on how to make page flags and a walk through of the planner:
The Cutterpillar coupon code for 20% off your order is BETZ20 

Until Next time ~ Happy Crafting (and planning!)

Monday, October 23, 2017

Snowman Card

This snowman card came together pretty fast! I used the Mandalay Die from Brutus Monroe on Rinea Foiled Paper to create the beautiful sparkle around the snowman. I stamped the snowman and a few snowflakes on a circle I had die cut from the foundation circle dies by Brutus Monroe . I used Stylefile alcohol markers to color in the scarf, hat and present and added a few bottle cap sequence. I layered it on a strip of vellum and pattern paper.

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting!

Sunday, October 22, 2017

Charming Pillow Box


I am over on the Brutus Monroe Blog today with this little pillow box that I made with the November Stamp of the Month Set and Shrinky Dink. My friend, Nadine, said that Shrinky Dink can be shrunk with just a heat gun. It totally worked! Just make sure that you poke any holes before you shrink it down and remember that it will shrink your holes too! You can find more info on how to make this box on Brutus Monroe so head on over there :-)

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting!

Saturday, October 21, 2017

Reach For the Stars -- An Empowerment Move!

As a mother of three teenagers (one of which is a female) and a woman that has had to battle the conservative American views of gender for the majority of my life I can not even begin to express how it warms my heart to have a stamp line that empowers little girls to be who ever they want to be.

I grew up in a Baptist broken home. Ironically, both my parents were conservative, but my Mom really felt that if you were a female you could not do things like math or science. Those were jobs for men she would tell me. I felt more oppressed by females in my life than the males. I never heard my Grandfather, Dad or brother say that I could not do anything. They were more concerned with my heart and mind. It was my Mom that affected my value and belief in myself growing up. The ironic thing is she thought the place for a woman was in the home, yet she kept getting divorced and moving us from one ghetto apartment to the next. It was through her example that I learned the importance of equality.

I moved to Germany when I was 18 because I knew if I stayed where I grew up I would end up in a similar situation. I did earn my BS and M Ed once I got back stateside. It was hard because deep down inside I truly felt like I was a second class citizen because I was a woman. I let that navigate relationships. When I was 32 my life fell apart. I had a wake up call and it was through that hard time that I learned and finally believed that I am just as smart, skillful and wise as anyone else --male or female. I picked myself up along with my family and turned a very bad situation into a good one that benefited us and others.

 I don't like to talk about it because it is in the past and it sheds a negative light on people that have value in my life.  However, my children experienced some of it with me. They were watching and had hands on experience with working hard. Through it they learned that they are strong capable individuals with gifts and talents. My daughter I think was impacted the most. She witnessed me, her mother, go from a meek scared second class citizen (I was actually beneath the family pet it felt like) to a strong silent resourceful provider that can use anything as an opportunity to grow. I found my voice and through that self discovery I gave her a voice too. My daughter does not struggle with self worth or confidence issues. She knows she is smart and capable. She likes to work on the sets for the school productions with power tools. She thinks the detective in "Mrs. Congeniality" is awesome! She dreams of being a law enforcement officer and welder on the side. She also had the opportunity to attend the Mixed Media Convention with me and met Christopher -- the owner of Brutus Monroe and designer of this stamp line. She adores him. She loves that he is all about equality and helps other. He is kind and cares about issues that impact her -- views on girls. I know this is lengthy and I am rambling on, but I wanted to share a piece of my heart and why I am so passionate about companies and people that help others and empower them to be whom ever they want to be.

Here is another little secret: I wanted to be an astronaut when I grew up. My Dad worked for a division associated with NASA. My dream was to travel out of this world in a rocket my Dad helped build. This card is everything to me.

Please check out Brutus Monroe to see more of this line and upcoming releases.

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting!

Friday, October 20, 2017

Cold Brew Coffee

In the afternoon I hit a low and need a pick me up. Today I am sharing with you how to make a delicious cold brew coffee.
As crafters we usually have something we are sipping on as we create. It can range between water to wine. However, we all have our stand by and this is mine! Sometimes to kick it up a notch I will carefully pour some chocolate syrup around the inside of the cup, add my cold brew and top it off with 2 ounces of vodka! Regardless of what is added to it: vanilla, a scoop of ice cream or cinnamon -- this is so yummy! 

Cold Brew Coffee
1 small can Ground Espresso
1 can Sweet and Condensed Milk 
1 can Coconut Milk (make sure it is coconut milk and not oil or water)

--Add Espresso to a pitcher of water (half gallon)
-- Place in refrigerator for 24 hours
--Strain grounds out in a clean pitcher
--remove solid from Coconut milk (set it aside and use it in sweet potatoes later!)
-- dump the cans of milk in
--whisk until blended
--serve over ice

Please check out my video on how to make this drink. I give an indepth explanation and show how to make it . You can watch it here:
Until next time ~ Happy Crafting!

Hocus Pocus!

Have you ever had something stuck in your head that you just can't get it out? That is what happened with this card! I saw this quote somewhere and thought it was hilarious. I just could not forget it, so I made a card.

I used a digital download from Calico Collage as the base. I then stamped out the sentiment with the handwritten click it alphabet by Brutus Monroe with the exception of the word coffee. I cut each word out individually. I stamped "coffee" with the Coffee Lover stamp set from Joy Clair and fussy cut it out. I layered the sentiment first and built the rest of the card around it. I stamped the witch on olive paper, cut her out and and put her on last. She can be found along with the "witch please" sentiment on the same stamp set at the Brutus Monroe Shop. I used the coffee cup from the "Coffee Lovers" on yellow card stock, cut it out and adhered it. I placed a pop dot in the witch and placed her on the card. I ended with embellishments I had found at Hobby Lobby.

Come back tomorrow for another fun card!

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting! 

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Drama Llama Card

With holidays upon us it can create some drama -- especially with family! I created this tag in its honor. I adore this Llama set and had to make another card!
Here is a quick one minute video on how to stamp on Rinea Foiled Paper with the Ghost Ink:





Please go check it out Rinea and Pink and Main for inspiration and products!

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting!


Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Old School Origami Bat with a Twist!

My husband is my guest designer today on the Rinea Blog ! He is a geometry guy and used to be quite the paper folding master in his youth. He created this bat with Rinea Foiled paper on their blog today. Please go and check it out! 

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting!

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Traditional Fall Card

 I discovered layering stamps through Hero Arts at the Mixed Media Convention in Utah this past summer and fell in love with them. I  appreciate that I can create beautiful images with little time because the stamps do all the work for me. I then learned in September that Hero Arts has an extensive monthly subscription option and I signed up!

I made this card using everything from the September box. I have to confess, I'm not a sunflower fan and I don't really care for this type of style. It reminds me of the first time I saw stamps for card making in 1999 through Stampin' Up. Hero Arts seemed to be a modern in style and that is why I opted for the sub. Though the kit is beautiful and perfectly coordinated it just is not my taste.

With all of that being said I did create a few cards with it and was pleased with the outcome. I have a few people who don't celebrate Halloween, yet love Fall. I did not have much in my stash that could cater to their taste and belief, so I do appreciate this set for giving me something to create that is traditional. I really like that each image came with a matching die too! This card took me about 15 minutes to make.
I am excited about the October kit! It is a really fun Christmas theme that has tons of options. I also ordered the penguin bundle which is the set I played with at the convention. Penguins are my favorite animal and the set they created is top notch. I can't wait to play with it and share!

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting!

Monday, October 16, 2017

Foolish Mortals

 I saved the best for last, or should I say -- my favorite. I am obsessed with the sass of the sentiment paired with the innocent character. I mean talk about an oxymoron -- innocent devil. I can't help but giggle when I look at it. I used those gorgeous vintage corner pieces as a way to point to the character alternating the beautiful gems between the pieces. The pattern paper is from the same sheet. The web is flocked and gives the card great texture! Every thing was found in the Brutus Monroe Halloween Inspiration box.
I have thoroughly enjoyed playing with this box! I found it to be a great value. The products are fun, edgy, and cutting edge and there is always a little bit of sass. I love the sass! It is not enough to be offensive, but enough to show personality. Please head over to Brutus Monroe through the link I provide and check it out.

I am sad to say that this box is sold out, however Brutus Monroe is now offering monthly subscription boxes so you never have to miss out again! Check them out at the Brutus Monroe Website

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting!

Sunday, October 15, 2017

Scientist Masked Card

Hey hey hey! I am over on the Brutus Monroe Blog with this card! There are a few tips that I share on the blog, so make sure you check it out! Have I mentioned  that I love the Library Background stamp yet? I do! It is awesome! 

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting! 

Saturday, October 14, 2017

Spooky

 Nothing is more classic for Halloween than an orange and black Gothic color scheme. I used the pattern paper from the Brutus Monroe Halloween Inspiration Box as the base for this card. The vintage corner pieces added just the right touch to really drive home that classic Halloween feel. The "Spooky" sentiment is the only thing not from the box. It actually is part of the new Tim Holtz Halloween line.

I am sad to say that this box is sold out, however Brutus Monroe is now offering monthly subscription boxes so you never have to miss out again! Check them out at the Brutus Monroe Website

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting!

Friday, October 13, 2017

You're Fangtastic

I paired the werewolf stamp, crow and embellishments with Tim Holtz Halloween line. I saw the cat with it's fangs and just knew it was a perfect match to off set my friendly werewolf. I like the mix of fun and freaky on this card. Sometimes going outside of the box really pays off!

I am sad to say that this box is sold out, however Brutus Monroe is now offering monthly subscription boxes so you never have to miss out again! Check them out at the Brutus Monroe Website

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting! 

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Halloween Witching Card

This is my favorite Halloween card I have made this season and it is featured on the Brutus Monroe Blog Please go check it out. There is a lot of fun stuff happening there this week with tons of inspiration! Here is the video tutorial I created making this card:
Until next time ~ Happy Crafting!

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Jeeprs Creepers

 That hand, skeleton and skull just had to be with Frankenstein. It is like the perfect pairing! I used the new Tim Holtz Halloween line and the stamps and embellishments from the Halloween Inspiration Box from Brutus Monroe to create this card. I layered the Tim Holtz die cuts on  the card base I made from his paper first. I used pop dots on the stamped images. Lastly I embellished the card with the skull charm and gems from the box. 
I am sad to say that this box is sold out, however Brutus Monroe is now offering monthly subscription boxes so you never have to miss out again! Check them out at the Brutus Monroe Website

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting!

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Thankful Shaker Card

Today on Brutus Monroe I am sharing how to make this shaker card with cork, stamps and deco foil. The foam adhesive by Deco Foil is my very favorite thing to foil with! Here is the video tutorial:


Please make sure you check out the blog for more inspiration!

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting!

Monday, October 9, 2017

Got Brains?

I had so much fun with this card! Everything on it is from the Brutus Monroe Inspiration Box for Halloween. I used my circle foundation die on orange paper to create the base of the images on the card. My Scan-n-Cut 2 came in handy to cut out the images. I added the vintage corner piece in the corner as a hint of a frame. The sentiment is so fitting for this silly character don't you think?

I am sad to say that this box is sold out, however Brutus Monroe is now offering monthly subscription boxes so you never have to miss out again! Check them out at the Brutus Monroe Website

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting!

Sunday, October 8, 2017

Thanksgiving Name Plates for Table with Deco Foil and Brutus Monroe!

I am super excited because today starts a HUGE kickoff on the Brutus Monroe Blog with Deco Foil! I am over there featuring how to make name plates for your holiday table (or any table). Here is the video tutorial on how I did it:



Make sure you head on over to the blog for tons of inspiration!

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting!


Saturday, October 7, 2017

You're Boorific!

Using the Halloween Inspirational Box I made a fun not so scary Halloween card! I added google eyes to the pumpkin I cut out with the die to make it silly. This card is rather simple and I paid special attention to how I layered things. I made this to be given to a child, so it was important it stayed fun and whimsical.

I am sad to say that this box is sold out, however Brutus Monroe is now offering monthly subscription boxes so you never have to miss out again! Check them out at the Brutus Monroe Website

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting!

Friday, October 6, 2017

Get Batty!

I have a friend who likes bats! I thought a card featuring bats with Dracula and a fun batty sentiment would be perfect for her!  Everything I used on this card is from the Halloween inspirational kit by Brutus Monroe. I started off with the purple card base and layered the bat transparency over it. Next I stamped Dracula, colored him in with Studio 71 colored pencils and cut him out using my Scan n Cut. I trimmed a piece of ribbon and layered the sentiment over it. I placed the ribbon sentiment on the card first followed by Dracula on pop dots. I tucked in two acrylic bats around him to finish the card off.

I am sad to say that this box is sold out, however Brutus Monroe is now offering monthly subscription boxes so you never have to miss out again! Check them out at the Brutus Monroe Website

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting!

Thursday, October 5, 2017

October 31 Card

I absolutely am obsessed with the Halloween line Tim Holtz released. I picked up the paper and die cuts from it because let's face it -- I don't need anything paper craft wise for Halloween. I used one of his sheets as the card base. I simply cut one edge down to 5.5 inches and folded it in half to give me a 4 by 5.5 card. I layered a few of the die cuts from his Halloween line and tucked in the pumpkin I stamped and colored by Brutus Monroe. I used my Scan n Cut 2 to fussy cut him and the crow out. The stamps are actually part of the Halloween Inspirational Box by Brutus Monroe as well as the big pumpkin die cut. I ran the pumpkin through my Cuttlebug on orange paper and traced it on black paper to creat a border. I finished off the card by placing the pumpkin off center on the card.


I am sad to say that this box is sold out, however Brutus Monroe is now offering monthly subscription boxes so you never have to miss out again! Check them out at the Brutus Monroe Website .

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting!

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Autumn Pocket Card with Tags Using Digital Art

 I think that a lot of times digital art gets a bad rap because there are so many out there that do it poorly. However, I have found a company that does it well! Calico Collage provides beautiful downloads that follow copyright laws and print straight. There are gorgeous junk journal kits that you can have in your hands in a matter of minutes with little cost and the ability to use them over and over again. As some of you know I don't have much in my stash that is traditional in style. I like to use digital art when I need something that is out of my comfort zone because it is easy to get my hands on and does not cost me an arm and leg for something I might only use a handful of times.

I downloaded the Autumn junk journal kit and created this traditional in style, yet unique style card with it. I love to take things and use them in ways they were not intended to be used for --including a junk journal kit. Why stop at just creating a journal when you can create a fun card?
 To make this card I printed up one of the pattern paper pages and the sheet that had the pocket and tags. I made the tags double sided and thought it would be fun to write my message on the front of the card instead of the inside. I used stamps from Hero Arts, a wood piece I inked orange and burlap flowers I got on sale at Hobby Lobby to finish it off. I added some orange gems to the sunflower just to leave my mark. I really could not keep this entirely traditional ;-)
Here is the video tutorial I created for you showcasing how to make this particular pocket and card:

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting! 

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Trick Or Treat Ghost Ink Card with Rinea Foiled Paper

I am super excited about allllll the new goodies Rinea has just realesed! I am over on the blog today featuring this card with the technique using Ghost Ink to create the web as shown here:


Please take a peak and stop by Rinea today! 

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting! 

Sunday, October 1, 2017

Cat's Life Tag

I have a confession to make. I am a dog person. I am not a cat person. However, I can't get enough of this stamp set! I'm over on Brutus Monroe with this tag and how to make it using a masking technique. Please stop by!

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting!