On The Prairie with Hero Arts

Thank you SO much for stopping by and I hope you can join us at a2z Scrapbooking! This month's theme is anything goes and I am SURE you have something whipped up that you can enter!

Ever since I made the Angel Ornaments, my muse has been begging to play with some more decor and answering the call is what prompted me to make this cow skull shadow box.  This die was in a goodie box that was sold by a well known paper artist {the proceeds were donated} and at first I was stumped as to how I was going to use it.  I've always been attracted by Southwestern style art and I used to have a huge cow skull with feathers and whatnot.  I no longer have that cow skull so I decided to make myself another one.  

What I Used to Make my Art:
Blick Canvas Panel, 5" x 7"
Blick Artists' White Gesso
Shadow Box Frame {bought on eBay years ago}
Hero Arts On the Prairie Fancy Die, #DI511
Light Green, Green, Pink, Red, Yellow and Blue Card
Distress Oxide Inks in Wild Honey, Vintage Photo, Fossilized Amber and Gathered Twigs
Distress Sprayer
White Card
White Craft Foam {I use Creatology™ from Michael's, 6mm, 9" x 12"}

Before                                After

Years ago I bought a bunch of shadow boxes through eBay.  I bought different sizes and frame colors and I've been saving them {for what I don't know} but it was time I started to use these supplies that I've kept packed away.  The frame I envisioned for this piece was weathered so the first thing I did was sand down the frame slightly, cover it with gesso and sand it a bit more once it was dry.  Originally, the frame was a medium brown and, as you can see by the picture, I did a fair amount of work to make it look like it had been out in the harsh sun, rain, and other elements for years. 

In between working on the frame, I started to make the panel.  Using Distress Oxide inks I colored the panel, giving what I think is a more Southwestern feel.  I used some ink blending brushes and, to get the depth of color I wanted, I inked, spritzed, inked again, and spritzed again quite a few times, drying each layer of ink before applying the next.  I just kept on reworking the colors until I was happy with the outcome.  Once I was satisfied, I put the panel aside to dry completely overnight.

I ended up making two different skulls; on the first one I used foam core to get

Not in the Frame Yet

the dimension I wanted.  But when I cut the foam core board, the board got crushed too much and I didn't want to use a smooshed focal point.  I used craft foam for the second skull and it came out much better.  The craft foam held up to the die cutting machine much better than the foam core board {you can see all about the craft foam I use HERE}.  I did end up using the first skull on a matching card so it didn't go to waste.  Once the shape was cut, I layered two pieces of cut white card on the top and, while that was fully drying, I cut out the flowers and

Some Dimension

the leaves.  As usual, I cut out more than I needed so I also made a wreath out of the leftovers but I haven't used it yet.  I still think it's better to have too many embellishments than not enough!  I added the flowers and leaves to the cow skull and glued it to the panel.  Lastly, the panel was put in it's new home and it is ready to display proudly.  What do you think? Are you planning on any home decor or 3D projects in the near future? I'd love to hear about it! {and yes, that is a pop top on the back of the hanging - they are free and work just fine to hang something!}

I hope I get to see your NEW creations and that you join up at a2z Scrapbooking! Thanks so much for stopping by! I appreciate your support! ~ Fondly, Christi

I am Entering my On the Prairie Project in the following challenges:
Scrapy Land - M, Anything Goes w/ a Brand of Die they sell
TTCRD - Anything Goes
Crafty Friends - Animals/Birds
Cardz TV - Anything Goes {entry 2}
A Blog Named Hero - M, Crafter's Choice
Bleeding Art Challenge - Anything Goes
More Mixed Media - Anything Goes {I did not use the option of Blue}
Happy Little Stampers - Dies - Anything Goes with Dies {badge below}
Happy Little Stampers Mixed Media - Layers - the skull is layered {badge below}

Angel Ornaments

Each year I try to make a special little ornament for my sister who has a table top Christmas tree that she sets up.  This year I made a bunch so she could choose the one she likes best.  These were relatively simple to make and I hope I inspire you to step out of the box and make some decorations or gifts yourself!
This is a long post, so settle in with a cup and relax!

What I Used to Make my Angel Ornaments:
Ranger Glossy Accents
Retro Art Cafe' Coffee Break Designs BASIC Fairy Shrine
Retro Art Cafe' Coffee Break Designs ANGEL Shrine
Retro Art Cafe' Coffee Break Design SWEETHEART Style 4
Retro Art Cafe' Tiny Fairy Doll Head Paper Cuts - 1 pk
Dresden Wings, Small Gold
From my Stash: Tiny Red Fabric Heart, Pink Heart Shaped Stone, Iridescent Star, Tiny Gems, Die Cut Waste, Scrap Paper
Stickles in Gold, Iridescent and Platinum
Jump Rings, 4 Medium
Lindy's Gang Embossing Powder in Raspberry Lemonade, Imperial Crown Purple Gold, Midnight Teal and Bougainvillea Red Teal
Ranger Embossing Powder in Rich Red {unavailable but any dark red will do!}
E6000 adhesive {you probably have some}
Krylon Leafing Pens in Silver and Gold

I love Retro Art Cafe' and the cool products they carry; seriously I could spend an absolute fortune there! When I was a brand new crafter making shrines was THE thing {besides cards and scrapbooks - I don't think there was ever a time when those 2 paper crafts weren't popular}to make.  Mixed media was just born, Suze Weinberg was the Embossing Powder Queen {do a google search or check out You Tube} and Ranger Ink was still in it's infancy.  Collages, canvases, altered books and so much more were being made at breakneck speed.  That's when I found Retro Art Cafe' and I still shop there; most likely I will until one of us is done!  When I was brainstorming for this years ornament I knew if I went there and browsed around I'd find something awesome to spark my imagination and Retro Art did not let me down {plus, they have awesome sales!}.  I saw the Inspirational Fairies and I knew that was what I needed to use this year, so I bought a bunch of kits, matching heads and Dresden wings. I actually wasn't sure what wings would fit the shrines so I emailed Kristin and asked what she thought and she was kind enough to recommend the small Dresden wings.  Once I got my goodies I got to work.

This what was left of mine;
Saving them - you never know!

Each pack of Shrines has four pieces in it so you can make 2 double figures or 4; it's up to you and your design. The set includes 2 solid pieces and two shrine pieces {the shrine pieces have a hole in them to make a small window}. For these I used two pieces for each, one solid piece and one shrine piece.  The first step I took was sandwiching a jump ring in between the two pieces so I could attach an ornament hanger, piece of string or ribbon or even put them on a necklace if I wanted.  I first tried to stick them together with regular glue because I was all out of E6000 - no luck; the jump rings were so loose I could pull them out.  So once I got a new tube of E6000 I glued the rings back in and used binder clips to keep the pieces together while they dried.  I let them dry for  few days to ensure they'd be

The Blue Angel 

sturdy.  I also sandwiched the wings I used between the layers on one of the ornaments; my intent was to do that to all of them, but then I decided since I was going to be decorating them with who knows what that I'd attached the wings to the other three when I was done.  They also come with teeny little pieces of product that you can mount them on so they will stand up.  As well as crowns!

The Red Angel

I wanted a super shiny, almost enamel look on the bodies so I embossed them.  I embossed them so many times I lost count using all the delicious colors from Lindy's Gang as referenced above.  I used my fingernail {something I am SO guilty of - I know I shouldn't use them, but they are so accessible and I often find myself using them without even thinking.  However, I don't recommend it!}  to remove the embossing powder, while it was still warm, on the Red ornament to try and keep the heart shape.  Once all of them were embossed, I coated each with Glossy Accents, except for the head area, and again, on the Red one where the heart design wasn't.  Let them sit again for a few days as I

The Pink Angel

had plenty of projects to finish.  I edged each one with a Krylon Leafing Pen {I've had these pens for YEARS - another throwback to the beginning of my paper crafting.  We used them for everything, mostly to edge paper and to do the original Polished Stone technique with alcohol inks} and used the pens to cover the wings.  Turns out the wings I had attached between the two parts at the beginning took a beating with all the embossing and stuff so I wanted to jazz them up a bit and bring the wings to life.  I also used a leafing pen to color the gold wings silver.  Once the wings dried I layered some matching Stickles on them to make them shine even more; the leafing pen can have a dull finish.  I embellished my angels with bits and bobs I've had in my stash for years and attached the doll head cut outs so they could have faces.  Lastly, I painted one crown silver {with the Leafing Pen} that I gave to the Blue angel, and added some gold dots of Stickles to the Purple angel's crown that was a part of her head.

The Purple Angel

Then I was done.  I find waiting for things to dry the most annoying part of making art and this was a study in patience for sure!  But it felt really good to make something 3D, something fun and out of the box.  I hope my angels inspire you to get some older art supplies {or, buy some new goodies at Retro Art Cafe'!} and have some messy fun.  I really had no idea how these babies were going to turn out so this entire project was an experiment for me.  On that note I'm glad I bought more than one set of the Angel Shrines because I have LOTS more ideas for these!  I hope you enjoyed my tutorial and are having a safe, healthy and artful holiday! Fondly, Christi

I am entering my Angel Ornaments in the following challenges:
Altered Eclectics - M, Anything MM Goes
Rhedd's Creative Spirit - M, {running til Feb} Anything MM Goes
More Mixed Media Challenge - Anything MM Goes
The Three Amigos - Winter
Bleeding Art - M, Shiny & Sparkly
An Inky Mess - Anything MM Goes
CHNC - #416, Anything Christmas Goes
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Christmas
Moo-Mania - Angels
Creative Artiste Mixed Media Challenge - Anything MM Goes
Crafter's Castle - Anything Goes OPTION: Christmas Ornaments
Lindy's Gang - M, Color Challenge

HLS Mixed Media Challenge - Fantasy

Laminate Chip Ornaments ~ Oldies but Goodies

I was looking at some of my older {these are at least 8 years old - some of them even older than that} creations today and I came across a bunch of these Formica™ and/or Laminate Chip Sample Ornaments.  Back when using these chips was all the rage, I emailed one of the companies and somehow ended up with a huge box of discontinued samples, all different colors and sizes.  I remember feeling like I hit the jackpot!  In fact, I still have a bunch of them somewhere - I should dig them out and figure out another project for them.  

Years back I used to make a small ornament every year and I've gotten out of the habit.  However, I've just ordered a bunch of teeny little embroidery hoops and I hope to create something festive out of those for this year.  My sister has a tiny little Christmas tree that she puts up and she has all the little ornaments that I've made over the years decorating it.  I think it's time to make her a new one.

There really is no "how to" on these; just use whatever you have on hand.

Take a look at these oldies but goodies:

I used Dresden trim, buttons, and an old pin on these.

This one was made with a sequin tree and a bunch of iridescent little circles.  I remember making the sentiments using Publisher - I obviously hand cut this one!

Another button, sequin, and hand made sentiment ornament.  I think I still have some of that background paper somewhere.

This one is using ribbon and Dresden trim - the snowflake and gold lines are the ribbon.  I just ripped a hole in it to accommodate the string. 

Those are the only pictures I have left of the many ornaments I made.  I didn't think the same way I do today; I never thought I'd have a blog or ever show these publicly.  Thinking back on what my life was like when I was making these was a fun little visit back in time.  I hope you enjoyed visiting with me and if you have any chip ideas, please share them with me!  ~Fondly, Christi

I'd like to enter my Laminate Chip Sample Ornaments in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything But a Card {entry #3}
The Happy Craft Challenge - M, Anything Goes
Creative Artiste - M, #43, Anything Mixed Media Goes
Crafter's Castle - M, #10, Anything Goes OPTION:Winter
An Inky Mess - M, #23, Anything Mixed Media Goes
Altered Eclectics - M, Anything Mixed Media Goes 
The Cat's Pajamas - M, #351, Holiday

My Spooky Haunted House

I make at least one 3D project every Halloween and this is one of this year's creations.  I actually put the house together last year, but I made it after Halloween.  I simply set it up on my bookcase and waited not so patiently for this year to roll around.  I did add all the little embellishments to the house this year, I guess I needed a break after making it! This post is wordy, so grab a snack; you just might get stuck in the Haunted House!

What I Used to Make my Haunted House:
Black Cardstock 
Tim Holtz/Sizzx Village Dwelling, #660992
Tim Holtz/Sizzx Village Manor, #661591
Tim Holtz/Idea-o-logy Paper Dolls, Ancestors, #TH93723
Acetate
Alcohol Ink in Butterscotch, #TIM21964 {any antique looking color would work}
Grey Card
Silver Brads {small}
Assorted Spooky Stuff from My Stash {pumpkin, ghost}
The bat & the black cat were gifts 

I love little houses!  I remember as a child we used to have a entire village set

Top of the House - the bat has
sparkly eyes

up at Christmas time on top of television set - yes, back in the day when you actually could put stuff on your television!  I enjoy Halloween much more than any holiday, so instead of making another Putz house, I made this house.  And I am not giving this one away!

Front of the House

I didn't take any pictures during the construction of my house, mostly because I honestly wasn't sure it would even be blog worthy.  Thank goodness I didn't try to make a video - it would have been full of beeps!  I admire people who can craft something like this without a bump in the road; my road was so bumpy I could barely stay on it!  But, all the work, aggravation, irritation, and swearing was worth it. I also knew that the lovely and talented Tim Holtz had put out videos on making these houses, so why duplicate efforts?  

Here is the video that Tim put out to make the initial Village Dwelling - if you don't have these dies and want to get them, watch this video first {plus, do a Google search on both of them; there are multiple places to purchase them much more cheaply than the above link to Sizzix.}  I went & bought the extender pads before I watched this video {I didn't know that much about die cutting and I knew I wanted these dies to work perfectly} because it turns out you don't need to spend the extra money - I honestly don't even know where mine are.  Also, here's the video Tim did using the Village Manor, which is much better than any pictures I could have taken.  

Poor guy!

Once the house was constructed, I used the alcohol ink to age some acetate, cut it up into squares, and taped it behind all the windows.  I was initially going to put a battery tea light inside, but the way the house is made doesn't allow for one where I wanted to put it.  When the light was at the bottom, you could barely see it, so that idea was out.  Instead, I put a man in one window and some feisty looking witches on the side of the house.  I found the brads, black cat, pumpkin, and ghost figure in my stash. I suspect the pumpkin is a Tim Holtz/Idea-o-logy product from a bit back.  I LOVE Halloween so much, I buy a ton of little embellishments and then pack them away.  I have the "I don't want to use this in case I can never find it

again" syndrome when I try to use any of them.  So, they sit, year after year, packed up so nicely.  And every year I swear I'm going to use them.  Ha ha ha - I lie to myself too much!  In any case, once the last details were adhered to the house, I was done.  

I thank you for stopping by to read my post.  I can't really call this a tutorial as I didn't really tell you how to make anything but, at the very least, you got to see that the house can be made! Have a wonderful day ~ fondly, Christi

I am entering my Spooky Haunted House in the following challenges:
Die Cut Diva's - M, Autumn and Halloween
Dream in Darkness - M, HALLOWEEN!!!
Scrap from Your Heart - M, #26, Use Dies
Dies R Us - #107. Anything Fall 
Crop Stop - M, Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything But a Card {entry 2}
Frilly and Funkie - Haunted Halloween

Spooky Wall Hanging

I am fortunate enough to be on the Design Team for Not Just Cards and up until now I have always created cards for my projects.  The theme every month is Anything Goes, so I decided to get a bit creative. My very favorite holiday, Halloween {in case you didn't know}, is around the corner so I felt it was time to share a wall hanging I made:

What I Used to Make my Wall Hanging:
Blick Canvas Panel, 5" x 7" {any brand will work}
Authentique Spirited 12" x 12" Paper Pad {retired but available}
Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch 2X Ultra Cover in Gloss Black
Foam Board {from the Dollar Tree}
Skeleton Top Hat Frame - designed by a friend; if you want info, let me know!
Vanilla Card
Stitched Rectangle Stax by Tutti Designs, #TUTTI-217
Tim Holtz Idea-Ology Gothic Cling Foam Stamps, #TH93618 {available}
Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black
Stamp Platform by TimHoltz/Tonic, #1707E

This was super easy; and really, any low profile metal die will cut out the foam board.  Think of ALL the fabulous keepsakes you can make! I know this little wall hanging has my creative juices flowing and I am thinking of many more dies I can use to make wall hangings, framed decor, and so much more!  

The first step for this project was to cut the skeleton head out of the foam board.  Using spray paint to color the die cut was SO fast and so much easier than trying to use regular acrylic paints - which is what I would have done in the past.  Just ensure you have the entire cut covered; any white spots will be glaring.  After I sprayed the die a few times, letting it dry thoroughly between coats, I set it aside.  One tip I will pass along for those who aren't familiar with spray painting {personally, I hadn't sprayed anything besides gesso - which I don't recommend - in YEARS} is to wear plastic gloves on both hands.  Not only did my index finger on my right hand turn black but I forgot the item was wet and moved it with my left hand!  Additionally, if you need to stand the item up or turn it around {and you are anything like me} you will forget and both of your hands will be painted.  This stuff is NOT easy to get off, but it does eventually wear off {thank goodness!}

Meanwhile, I covered my 5" x 7" panel with spooky paper and edged around the sides with black ink to give it an aged look.  The stamping of the word took the most work, but it really wasn't as difficult as I anticipated it would be.  The particular set only has one of each letter, so to get my spacing correct, I laid out the letters S, P, O, Q, K, Y,  then I carefully removed the Q, stamped the remaining letters onto the card, and just put the O in the space provided by the Q - I was very proud of myself!  And I think the letters look perfect!  Then I die cut a stitched rectangle around the

Another Look - this one is
shiny - which do you prefer?

letters to be attached to the panel. 

The skeleton hat frame was all dry so I glued that onto the panel and then attached the words below.  Since this panel had no hanger, I used a pop top from a soda can and glued that on with E6000.  Once it was dry, I just bent the tab forward a bit and there you have a hanging decoration for Halloween or, in my house, all year round!  I hope to see your creations, whatever they may be, at the challenge at Not Just Cards.  Remember, the theme is always Anything Goes so get a bit creative and enter your projects!  You never know, you might just win! Thank you SO much for stopping by! 

I have a fabulous friend, NanaConnie {I am sure you've seen her around Blogland}, who graciously edits my posts so I sound much smarter than I really am and I'd LOVE it if you'd pop over to her blog and give her some love!  Just click Grammy's Attic and you'll be there.  She posts nearly every day and her makes are fabulous!  You won't be sorry -- but she can't edit for you, she is all booked up with ME. :)  (Editor's Note: I adore Christi and I paid her to say that! :-D NC)

Thank you so much for your continued support. ~ Fondly, Christi

I am entering my Spooky Wall Hanging in the following challenges:
The Corrosive Challenge Blog - M, #10, Anything Goes
Cut it Up -#158, Halloween Project that Includes Dies
Take it, Make it - M, Anything Goes
Dream in Darkness - M, The BEST Month of the YEAR {I SO agree!!}
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything But a Card
Die Cuttin' Divas - 3D Projects
Happy Little Stampers Mixed Media - M, Men {my skull is a guy!}

Under the Water with Lawn Fawn {and a giveaway!}

Today is a VERY special day!  Challenges for Days {a challenge listing blog that I am very honored to run} is having a week long Birthday Bash celebration and YOU are invited! All you need to do to be in the running for the prize pack I have donated {picture below} is comment on on this blog post and the Challenges for Day's Monday post and you could be today's winner! We also have a Super Giveaway on Saturday so be sure to check Challenges for Days every day this week so you can enter!  Now, on to my nice, cool Happy Birthday card.

For the celebration I wanted to use my brand new Lawn Fawn goodies so I constructed this Shadow Box birthday card.

What I Used to Make my Card:
Blue Card {for shadow box}
Assorted other Color Card {for the critters}
White Card
Lawn Fawn Sentiment - Was a Freebie from Lawn Fawn
Lawn Fawn Shadow Box Card dies, #LF1486
Lawn Fawn Ocean Shadow Box Add On dies, #LF1705
Lawn Fawn You are Sublime stamp set, #LF1686
Lawn Fawn You are Sublime dies set, #1687
VersaFine ink, Onyx Black
Tutti Design Cross Stitched Rectangles, #TUTTI-410
Double Sided Tape

When I make a card like this I like to cut out all the components of the main

portion, in this case the Shadow Box, first.  I also cut out a few more of the waves in different colors of blue.  I could tell you how to construct the Shadow Box, but Kelly Marie at Lawn Fawn makes the BEST videos {and I am not a video learned - I much prefer to have instructions written out for me}, they are SO easy to follow - and of course, you can stop and start as needed! So, for instructions, I suggest you pop over to YouTube and watch.

Once I constructed the box and put the waves in the card {I decided on 3 waves and made the middle wave

a lighter blue}, I began to cut out my critters.  I used a little bit of both sets, designing where I wanted everything to go.  I have to say, I adore that little lobster - he is so cute and happy! Once everything was attached, I put the Birthday banner on the top of the card.  There you go! Each time I make one of these cards it gets easier and I think this one only took me a few hours {I'm kidding, maybe a half an hour!} and I really love the pop out factor of them - and the fact they still fit in an A2 envelope! Fantastic!

Now, don't forget to go over to Challenges for Days and comment, after you comment here, for a chance to win this AWESOME prize pack! The celebration is

You Could Win This Prize Pack!

going on all week, with a Super Saturday Giveaway where some sweet sponsors have generously donated some prizes.  Thank you so much for all your support through the years and I hope that both Art Without Anxiety and Challenges for Days are around for at least another five years {I'll be SO old then. . . } Fondly, Christi

I am Entering my Shadow Card in the following challenges:
Lawn Fawnatics - #33, Fun Folds
The Library Challenge - The Little Mermaid
A Gem of a Challenge - Summertime/Holiday
The Fairy & The Unicorn - Under the Sea
Crafty Catz - #426, Anything Goes w/ Dies and or Punches
Cut it Up - Under the Sea
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Use Dies and/or Punches
Die Cuttin' Divas - #378, Lots of Layers
a2z Scrapbooking - Birthday Bash
Animal Friends - #64, Underwater

My Card Organization File

For this month's project for Simply Crafty SVG's, I picked this file because I really needed a file to keep the cards in that I'm not going to give to the troops {I just started sending my cards to the overseas troops and, when I get more information about it, I'll be sure to share it.}  I realized I really make a lot of cards!  This file was the perfect vessel to keep the cards neat, clean, and easy to find.  Plus, I can see at a glance which type of card I need to make because my stash is low {there are five tabbed file folders that come in the kit so you can make as many as you want.}  I named my files after the project was finished.  Here is my organizer, I hope you like it!

What I Used to Make my Project:
Chipboard, medium weight {three pieces of 12 x 12}
Simply Crafty SVG's Greeting Card Organizer
DCWV Linen Closet Stack {the old stack - discontinued}
Matching green and brown card
Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels Seventeen
Bling, Recollections Bling Stickers

I have to tell you, this was the second one I made.  The first one was too warped to use.  See, I'm used to using gesso on just about everything that isn't a card, so I gessoed my chipboard after I cut it out with my Silhouette.  Even though I put the chipboard under a gallon bottle of water, it still warped.  And then it got worse once I put the patterned paper on it.  It was so bad, I literally could not get the top of the organizer on!  The more I tried to fix it, the worse it got.  I finally had to admit defeat and start from scratch.  It's so bad I can't even show you.  This time I left the chipboard natural; the file cut better and was a dream to assemble.  And I just got my order of white and black chipboard so I don't have to make myself crazy anymore if I want my project to be a different color.

I cut out the box and the lid, as well as the panels to decorate the box.  I assembled the box according to the PDF instruction file {included with EACH file - no more guessing!}  Once I was done with the box, I felt it needed a bit more bling.  The paper I used has an iridescent shine to it and I had nothing iridescent except glitter and, after my fiasco making the first box, there was no way I was taking any chances with this one.  Off to the craft store I went, and I found the perfect bling - and they were already in a line, so all I had to do was cut the lines apart and attach them to the box! Happy dance!

Then the next dilemma hit me.  I'm not good at the print and cut feature on the Silhouette.  I've tried and succeeded in making a HUGE mess out of

everything.  So, due to my incompetence, I used a computer generated title and, instead of using the perfectly fine label file that comes with the kit, I cut out my label using Spellbinder dies.  I'm really happy when I can mix my craft supplies, especially when they come out as beautifully as this did.  I blinged the label, then attached it to the box.  In order to ensure a good stick, I put the box, with some support in the middle, under some heavy books while the label dried.  Lastly, I cut out the file folders, using heavy white card. I suspect I'll need more of the folders but, for now, five is fine.

My organizer, complete with files

Simply Crafty SVG's has so many cool files for organization, and the biggest selection of FREE cut files I've ever seen!  I know I've said it before but having that PDF file to walk you through the assembly of your project is the best thing ever.  How many times have you bought a file, or downloaded a freebie, and had NO idea what was the best way to make the project?  Simply Crafty SVG's has taken that confusion away!  And the files on the site are beautiful; not just your average file, but files that look stunning when you are through.  And, if you mess up as I did with my first box, no worries - you can just cut another.  Thanks for stopping by, Christi

I am entering my Card Organization File box in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
Crafty Creations Challenge - #363, Anything Goes
TTCRD - Anything Goes
Crafting from the Heart - M, #200, Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Inside the Box {literally!}
Not Just Cards - M, Anything Goes
Altered Eclectics - M, Anything Goes
The Creative Crafters - #2, Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp Happy National Craft Month page

A Truckload of Happy Birthday

Hey everyone - this is my FIRST post for the Simply Crafty SVG's design team! I'm honored and want to thank Sandy for accepting my application.  I know I'm going to have a BLAST playing with all these cool SVG's.  My brother's birthday is coming up and it's SO difficult to get anything for him, even a card is hard to make for him.  He watches every sport there is, and is online when he has free time.  The only other hobby he has is taking photographs {and, I might be biased, but they are beautiful !}.  When I saw the Christmas Tree Delivery Truck on the website I immediately decided I'd make a truck delivering his gift!  In order to do that, I also used the Presents Gift Card Holder - perfect!

What I Used to Make my Card:
Simply Crafty SVG's Christmas Tree Delivery Truck file
Simply Crafty SVG's Presents Gift Card file
KaiserCraft 6.5 x 6.5 Paper Pad, Frosted, #PP1005
Light Brown, dark brown, black, silver, sparkly silver & red cardstock
Dimensional Dots

The "card" 

I am really horrible at figuring out what I need to cut with what colors - it's something to do with my lack of depth perception {ok, I don't really know if it is, but that's my story} but I had decided I wanted to make my truck in hues of brown, so I cut the card portion out of a good, sturdy, light brown, card.  One of the absolutely COOL things about Simply Crafty SVG's is that each and every design comes with an PDF Instruction file! No more wondering where the heck this part goes!  I have to admit I did not look at the directions PDF until I was almost done with the card, so my assembly is a tad different than the one you'll get with the file.

Then I cut all of the truck embellishments out of dark brown card.  After I put

Pieces

on some of the truck embellishments, I did refer to the instructions since I couldn't figure out where all the parts went.  Once I did that {looked at the directions}, it was easy peasy.  I used dimensional adhesives to pop out my fenders and the door.  I adhered the silver accents to the door, the tires {which I cut out of black card}, and the front grill.  I didn't use all the truck embellishments; I didn't want to gussy up the truck too much since it is for my brother.

Just the Gift

Almost Flat

Once the truck was finished, I started on the gifts I wanted to put into the back of the truck.  Using the Simply Crafty SVG's Presents Gift Card File, I edited the
smaller of the two gifts to make it an open-at-the-top envelope instead of the slider that goes on the gift card.  Unfortunately, the bigger gift was too big to fit in the back of the truck.  I cut the smaller gift and the bow, out of some wintry KaiserCraft card; the bow is cut from super sparkly silver card.  I then altered the small gift box and made a small card to fit inside the box.  I found the Happy Birthday already printed on some ephemera I had, glued that to the little card, wrote "my favorite brother" {it's a joke, he is my only brother!}, some birthday wishes and I was done!

Another View

Simply Crafty SVG's has an awesome bunch of freebies on their site, as well as some very reasonably priced files.  I think if you take a look, you'll be amazed by the awesome files {plus, it looks really good for me!}  Please don't forget to follow the Simply Crafty SVG's blog - there is tons of delicious inspiration coming up and you don't want to miss it! Since I don't have the A9 envelope to fit this card {it told me in the PDF instructions what size envelope I'd need!}, I'm also using the freebie envelope set file, it's a definite MUST have!. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day! ~Christi

I am entering my Truckload of Happy Birthday in the following challenges:
Try it on Tuesday - Vintage {the truck is vintage & so is my brother - hehe!}
Unstampabelles - M, #76 - Anything Goes, TWIST - Something New {the SVG file for the card is new!}
Crafty Catz - Anything Goes TWIST - Birthday
2 Sisters on a Blog - M, #12,  Make a Man a Card
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
Inspiration Destination - #145, Anything Goes
TTCRD - Anything Goes

Listen to Your Heart

** Warning - this post has a lot of pictures! Grab a drink, and a snack; it may take you a while to get through it.  Enjoy!

My parents were married for over 30 years when they divorced.  It was a very civil separation and both my parents worked very hard at not letting their divorce effect our lives {the kids} in a negative fashion. The entire family would get together on holidays, my parents sat together at weddings and they actually got along much better.  About ten years after the divorce, my mother found herself in a situation where she needed to find a place to live.  My father asked her to move back into the family house.  He had made the top floor a mini apartment and my mom had her own bedroom, a living room, and her own bathroom.  So mom lived upstairs and my dad lived in the basement {a whole other story} and they would meet in the middle, watching TV together, going grocery shopping, and sharing meals.  They lived like that until my dad passed away in 2008.  This is a testimony to the love they shared, married or not.

** Typically I link to where you can find information on a product, or the actual product.   Because Tim Holtz' items are so popular, I'm not linking his items to anywhere. I am only linking if a product is difficult to find, or to a product information page.

 What I Used to Make my Project:
Tim Holtz Vignette House, #TH93339 {discontinued but available}
Tim Holtz Paper Dolls, #TH93555
Tim Holtz Beaded Berries, #TH93666
Tim Holtz Quote Chips, #TH93563
Gesso, Blick Artists White Gesso
The Following Items are From my Stash:
White Pearls, Studio G, 60 Assorted
Paper Flowers
Fabric Flowers
Heart Charm
Shamrock Charm
Snowflake Mini Button
Key Charm
Watch Face
Rings Charm
Studio Katia Sparkling Crystal Mix, #SK2411
Parents Wedding Photo
Dimensional Dots
Lace
Krylon Leafing Pen in Silver
Plastic Angel
E6000 Adhesive

I've had this Tim Holtz house for quite a while; longer than I thought since it's already discontinued!  I see my collection of Tim Holtz goodies every single day and I finally decided to make something for myself - my own keepsake.  I wish I could give it to my mom, but her eyesight has begun to worsen and I know she'll just get frustrated at not being able to see it.  So, mine it is!

Mom was 18 & Dad was 24

The first thing I did was lightly gesso the house to give it a worn appearance, almost a weathered look.  Once that dried, I started working on the wedding picture of my parents.  It took me a while to get the sizing correct and to learn how to erase the background.  This was the first time I manipulated a photo {aside from the typical enhancing; like brightening} and I think I did pretty darn good!  Of course, I see all sorts of things I should have done differently, but I refuse to let that little voice talk to me and make me think this project is a failure.  It isn't a failure if for no other reason than I made it for ME!

Bottom Detail: you can see the key & the clock face 

After letting the house dry overnight I started picking through my stash.  I've collected junk items for 3D projects for years.  One of my favorites is an object board that I made by gluing all sorts of goodies onto a piece of game board, then gessoed it all up and painted it.  If you're interested, you can check it out by clicking here {The Courage Board}.  I found some ribbon and a bunch of fabric flowers and put them aside; I had a vision of a black, white, and cream project so I

Mom's Dress

wanted to stick to those colors.  I fussy cut the wedding picture and chose a few Paper Dolls to attend the wedding.  I glued the Paper Dolls to the back of the house and used dimensional dots to pop out my parents; I wanted to ensure they'd be the focal point of the design.  I had to fold my mom's gown a bit, if you look on the bottom of the box you can see the ruffles from her dress.  I added a strip of lace where her dress met the bottom of the box, then attached the ruffle lace to the roof of the house.  The lace with pearls was perfect for the very bottom of the house.  In

Top Detail

my florals made of fabric, I found two large white flowers {I want to say they're carnations, but I know nothing about flowers, so I'd probably be lying!} and four small cream colored roses, then fiddled around a bit with placement.  I ultimately decided to put each group of three in the lower corners.  I also came across a tulle rose with green ribbon leaves that I centered in the middle.  In back of the large white flowers are some Beaded Berries.  Above the centered flower is a wedding ring set and I glued a Studio Katia Crystal to the engagement ring.  It's very difficult to see the crystal, unfortunately.

Snowflake

Moving up the house, on the left side is a key; the right is a watch face.  Each charm has a reason to be there and in this case the key stands for the house they bought.  My dad finished the house and added on many amenities. The key also symbolizes the house {the same one} where we all grew up and where my dad chose to pass away.  I then put white pearls on the sides, using the same size on the top and bottom with a smaller one in the center.  Where the house meets the roof, I used a paper rose on each side, with a Beaded Berry wrapped around the flower.  If you look closely, you can see under the right side, under the paper rose, is a snowflake button with the shank cut off.  My parents were married in the month of February.  On the left side you'll see a shamrock.  This charm speaks to our

Shamrock

Irish history as both my parents' relatives came from Ireland.  All the charms I used, except the clock face, were originally gold; I just painted them with the Leafing Pen to change the color to silver.  Leafing pens aren't cheap - they run about $7 each - but they last for years! If you find you aren't using some of your materials because they don't match your project, I highly recommend getting one {or two!} as they come in very handy.  They can also be used to edge your cardstock, which gives it an elegant look.

The Chipboard Quote I chose fit the situation my parents were in perfectly.  The whole time they were divorced and not living together neither one went out on a single date or attempted to find another partner.  They were meant to be together. I honestly believe they were Listening to Their Hearts.  Above the quote is an angel that started out as a Christmas ornament, I just snipped the string off and glued her in place.  And the final touch is the heart at the very top of the piece.  This was just in my stash and I thought it fit perfectly as I didn't want a heart that was too cutesy. 

Just another look from a different angle 

I am thrilled with how this came out.  I'm very proud of myself both because I think I did a good job and because I actually made myself something.  It's funny, I rarely make anything for myself or to decorate my house and craft room.  I think we are all like that in some way.  Thank you for hanging in there; I know the post was long, between my explaining and stories, and then all the photos.  If you like this project, please feel free to share it {but please link back here!} and I'd be grateful if you'd consider following me {if you do, please leave me a comment with your blog info so I can return the favor!}.  This piece is going to help remind me to Listen to My Heart every day! Have a wonderful day and take care! Christi

I am entering my Listen to Your Heart in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - It Must Be Love
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Love is in the Air
Rhedd's Creative Challenge -M,  Anything Goes {altered art}
Creative Artiste Challenge Blog - M, #35, Anything Mixed Media Goes
The Mixed Media Monthly Challenge - M, #45, Inspiration Photo