There were so many things at CHA I wanted to get my hot little hands on.

I was making a mental Christmas list the entire time…  Christmas in July that is.

However of course though some are available in stores now,  many more won’t be for a few months, [...]]]> And now… for more enabling.

There were so many things at CHA I wanted to get my hot little hands on.

I was making a mental Christmas list the entire time…  Christmas in July that is.

However of course though some are available in stores now,  many more won’t be for a few months, so we must wait.  But until then I can day dream about my top ten must haves.

In no particular order:

1.  All things Burlap from Canvas Corp, most especially the Stretched Burlap Canvas’s:

I got so excited looking at all these cute burlap elements but most especially loved that they have also created a stretched burlap “canvas”.  I just think they will make for amazingly cute projects!  Very country feeling.  (P.S. love their canvas items too, all their canvas’s  have no gesso, so they will make your art look very natural.  I personally love that look).

2.  The Teresa Collins Stampmaker:

This thing is SO stinkin cool!  Make your own clear stamps… out of any image.  If you can get it into JPEG form you’ve got a stamp.  I so love it.  Check out a video of it in action here.

3.  Sassafras’s Paper Whimsies Cards:

Aren’t they cute?  Loving everything Sassafras has to offer.

4.  These “Trimmings” from Tim Holtz Idea-ology:

Ack!  I need one in ever color.  Just gorgeous.

5.  Ephiphany Crafts Button Maker:

(Can’t believe I didn’t snag a photo!)

This little thing is just so cute.  Make a button using clear epoxy shapes.  The tool comes in several styles, some of which I think are more useful than others.  But I love this simple button design.

6.  Pink Paislee Parisian Anthology papers:

Looks plain in the photo I know… but what I love the most about this paper is that they each have a resist overlay that is meant to be altered.  Ink it, paint it, chalk it… you can truly make these papers your own.  Check out what I mean and some gorgeous layouts on the Pink Paislee blog here.

7.  Cricut Imagine:

It prints.

It cuts.

It does your taxes.

Just kidding on that last thing – but technology seems to get getting close.

Do I need one?  Um no, but that’s pretty darn nifty.    And did you know you could win one from Craft Critique??  How cool is that?!  Go here to sign up for the newsletter and you’re entered (and to see a video of this baby in action).  It’s that simple.

8.  The Large Family Tree from Kaisercraft:

I have such plans for one.  Maybe two.

9.  October Afternoon’s Modern Homemaker line:

I want the big pink vacuum for my wall.

I just do.

10.  MyStik from Scrapbook Adhesives:

Another tape runner?

Yes but not just any tape runner.

The MyStik can be used “gun” style like an ATG,  it advances with the turn of a wheel, and refills will be very affordable.  Not too mention you can personalize it with your own paper or photo, which is just a great idea for crops.  Check out a video on Craft Critique of this cute little bugger here.

Oh my gosh I have a crafty hangover.  That’s of course not a bad thing, but after attending the Super Show today I am a little overwhelmed with the urge of wanting to just sit down and make my own stuff, with the ‘old’ product I still have hanging around .  Stay tuned for one more wrap up post with some random CHA pics and thoughts, and of course keep checking Craft Critique for more thorough reports on everything you see above and more.  Our CHA coverage will continue as we bring the “Best Of”  to you for at least another week.

Have a wonderful day.

Over-stimulatingly,

So. Much. Inspiration.

I am so blessed to have been able to go I know.  And I know every single one of us that love paper and crafts and scrapbooking [...]]]> Ok I’ve come down a bit off my high from yesterday.   I promised I wouldn’t squeal too much and am trying to hold true.

So. Much. Inspiration.

I am so blessed to have been able to go I know.  And I know every single one of us that love paper and crafts and scrapbooking want to go.  Believe me I wished you were there too.

But… yay for internet… because those of us that did go and are still rubbing our feet can share tons and tons of pictures.  To spread the word that cuteness and adorableness and loveliness and all sorts of ‘nesses’ are coming our way.  And then we can all enjoy and partake in each others inspiring projects using the new tools at our disposal.

Love that there are so many of us that share in this wonderful hobby and art.

For this post I wanted to share with you some of the most beautiful projects that caught my eye.  Not only are they inspiring, but I totally feel like we could make them too (which of course is the point to get you to buy the goods), but I love that kind of reachable inspiration.

This is a photo from yesterday’s post…but I have to include it as a fave.  The Mad Hatter hat from Graphic 45′s Halloween in Wonderland:

I want to wear it.

To Comicon.

(C’mon, you can picture it)

I want to live in Hambly’s booth:

I adore what they did to the Ikea lamp.

My favorite Christmas project was this  Advent Calendar using Kaisercraft’s new ‘Tis the Season line.  The drawers are altered with stickers that come with the line that are perfectly sized, talk about easy!

Two projects at the Maya Road booth caught my eye.  This adorable canvas album (I’m loving all the canvas everywhere):

Just look at the details!  The little touches to the letters alone are so great.

Such a cute display for chipboard albums.  (Dress forms were HUGE at the show – I swear there was one in just about every booth)

The award for totally simple yet totally cute goes hands down to these paper wrapped cans in the Melissa Frances booth.

Isn’t that great?  Stacked up on a shelf like that?  I love it.

Two projects at the Prima Booth that I adored (it was hard to pick!):

Here’s a Tim Holtz altered canvas at the Canvas Corp booth.  They were one of my favorite vendors… for their products and sheer niceness.  Stay tuned to Craft Critique for more on their products.

Sorry for the bad pic on this one, but I still had to share.  Also I cannot for the life of me remember which booth this was at?  Anyone?  I just can’t believe how much time this had to take.

(Thanks to Michele Reed for letting me know the pumpkin was at the Petersen-Arne booth… P.S. Michele has an adorable Etsy Shop full of buttons that would make a project like this a breeze!  Check it out here)

New this year were products from American Girl Crafts (from EK Success)… I’m going to need these owls.  Several.

Cutie cute Cosmo Cricket card display:

Another of my favorite booths was Crafty Secrets.  They have such wonderful vintage goods!  Stay tuned for more of them on Craft Critique too, but here’s one of my favs:

Awwww.

This altered tray at the Glitz booth is just inspired!  Totally making one of my own soon:

And finally, 7 Gypsies took the type tray fad and made it their own – literally made their own!

What a great idea.

Phew! So much to take in.  I cannot wait to get some free time to get my own craft on and hope to just come close to the artistry these wonderful designers have shared with us all.

Hope you are having a wonderful week dear friends… next post… my favorite CHA products!

Wishing all the good ‘nesses’ life can bring,

Hello there friends!  What a great day I had on Tuesday at CHA Summer 2010.  It’s impossible to see everything there is to see in one day… but [...]]]> Warning: This post is extremely random. My mind is on crafty overdrive, and I cannot be held accountable.  I will hone my thoughts soon.  (maybe)

Hello there friends!  What a great day I had on Tuesday at CHA Summer 2010.  It’s impossible to see everything there is to see in one day… but boy howdy did I try.  My back and feet are achey, but my mind is just brimming with inspiration over all the lovely goodies and designs I got to take in.  I have lots of photos to share, and will break them up into coordinated posts as best as I can muster, but I had to look through my pics and post just a few asap.

First and foremost I was so happy to meet so many wonderful people, including the amazing editorial staff at Craft Critique.  (Read about them here).  They are some of the nicest and hardest working crafters on the planet.  Seeing them in action on the floor gathering photos and video for their readers was just… well I’ve been schooled.  I was a bit nervous (ok a lot) to walk up to vendors and start gathering info but quickly learned how nice everyone was if you just walked up and said hi.

So… what comes to mind first and foremost?

Graphic 45′s Halloween Line:

And their Steampunk Debutante Line:

Want it.  Want it all.  See more pics at Craft Critique.

My must have embellishment are the metal Vintage Brooches from Sassafras Lass:

I was incredulous at how light they are – no fear that they will work on a layout – none at all. (and cute colors yah?!)

I want everything October Afternoon has to offer… but especially the  Modern Homemaker line:

The cat clock kills me.  See more OA at Craft Critique here.

Maya Road has some super cute (and uber popular) trims:

Look, there’s the back side of Tim Holtz:

I said random.

(I did get to meet him, and there is a pic, just not on my camera… he’s super nice, and as my Facebook friends know… smells really good.  I said random.)

The layouts from Prima’s design team made me swoon.

This is an extremely large wreath:

If I did that in our hallway do you think Alan would let it be?

Maybe?

So….

Accio ribbon!

One of each please.

Everything you can do with Core’dinations Cardstock:

People… people that GET me.  EVERYwhere!

Alright I must stop.  So many pics.  So much I want to share with you.

I so wish you could have been there with me.

For much more intelligible coverage of CHA, including give-a-ways, visit Craft Critique.

But more to come here – when I come down off the ceiling.

I can’t believe I just included Tim Holtz and Harry Potter in the same blog post,

Hi there all!  How’s your weekend going?

Today since it has been awhile since I’ve been on a regular blogging schedule, I thought I’d post a round up of some of my favorite reviews I’ve done recently for Craft Critique.  I [...]]]> Proofread carefully to see if you any words out.  ~Author Unknown

Hi there all!  How’s your weekend going?

Today since it has been awhile since I’ve been on a regular blogging schedule, I thought I’d post a round up of some of my favorite reviews I’ve done recently for Craft Critique.  I love testing out products for them. I’ve found so many keepers and it’s so great to stretch my creative muscles looking for new uses and tests I can perform.  In case you haven’t noticed, you can always check the column over on the left for a listing of reviews I’ve done, but I highly recommend you peruse over there as well for all sorts of great info.  All the reporters are so darn talented!

So without further ado, here’s a few highlights  to catch up on ( Also a note, whenever I post about a review or even a specific product here on my blog you’ll see a little “disclosure” link at the end to let you know if I was reimbursed at all (or not) for sharing my opinion, that’s a rule as of December 1, 2009 for all blogs by the FTC).

Donna Downey’s Products <– Click for the review

(Disclosure)

I was sent a lovely canvas camera bag, Unity Stamps, and fun Prima embellishments to play with.  It was so easy to be creative with these.  Here’s a glimpse of what I made:

I had heard of Unity Stamps before but never tried them out… I loved them!

Digital Scrapbook Artist 2 <– Click for Review

(Disclosure)

This program is just so much fun.  It’s Digital Scrapbooking software that works in many ways like Photoshop Elements, but is geared towards scrapbookers and how we think.  It’s also about half the cost of PSE!  Here’s a layout I put together:

And a Hybrid card (both these projects use DSA 2 elements as well, available at Daisytrail.com):

The PanDigital Photo Scanner <– Click for Review

(Disclosure)

An amazing tool you’re going to want to put on your holiday list.  Click the link to see a photo of me in a dress and tube socks with Winnie the Pooh.   (really)

Wet Looks Embossing Markers By Marvy Uchida <– Click for Review

(Disclosure)

I ran across these in Michael’s one day and knew I had to try them.  They work!  I love them!  Exclamation point!

The little birdy stamp on the card above is colored and embossed – it’s a little hard to see… check out my review for a better shot.

And finally… I finally tried, loved, and have become obsessed with a product that I had heard about but never tried.

*Angels Singing*

Un-Du Adhesive Remover <– Click for Review

(Disclosure)

I actually did a comparison review between Un-Du and Duck Adhesive Remover to see just how good this stuff was.  And I’m hear to tell you, yes, it does rock.  Rock it does.  All. Night. Long.

Does anyone remember this sticker from, Oh… circa 2002?

I’m pretty sure it was K & Company… at any rate, it was stuck to a layout I’ve always wanted to re-do.  With Un-Du I was not only able to remove it, but it’s completely reusable.  As sticky as the day I first peeled off the backing and stuck it smack on an ORIGINAL photo.  Gads!  I know!  But the photo’s OK too!  Know why?  Un-Du is photo safe!

*Hallelujah Chorus!*

Oh heck here:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=usfiAsWR4qU

And THAT’s how I feel about that.

Stay tuned for more on reviews in the near future, I’m getting my hot little hands on some awesome stuff!

And we shall craft forever and ehhhhh-ver,

XOX.

Here on this blog… because if you’re a crafter who Tweets or Facebooks you’ve probably already heard about it.

I’m so excited to share though (in case you haven’t) about this fantastic conference for Crafters BY Crafters which will be held in Chicago (my home base) October 21-23.    This [...]]]>

Here on this blog… because if you’re a crafter who Tweets or Facebooks you’ve probably already heard about it.

I’m so excited to share though (in case you haven’t) about this fantastic conference for Crafters BY Crafters which will be held in Chicago (my home base) October 21-23.    This unique get together for professional crafters (or those that dream of being one) is put together in part by the editorial team at Craft Critique, so I’m a little partial to saying I know it will be a blast.  And you can bet I’ll be there!

So, how can you get involved?  Click the logo above to be taken to the website where you should sign up for notifications that registration is open and more.  Currently there’s a call for speakers too, and I know there have already be some A-mazing submissions.

Next, follow along on Twitter here:  @crafty_con

And become a fan on Facebook here:  CraftyCon Fan Page

I’m so excited just thinking about all the amazing crafty minds that will be there to network and share ideas.  Seriously, from what a little bird has told me…. this is going to be AWESOME.  I’ll of course share more as I learn more (and can), but in the mean time go on and sign up for those updates. Yay!

Now back to your regularly scheduled craftiness… what’cha doing this weekend?  Something creative I hope.  Nothing helps cut through these winter blues like splashing some color around a scrapbook page or canvas.  I’ll be here this weekend posting some fun projects – I’ve got the itch to get some crafty on!

Thanks for stopping by today, and see you soon!

(And Happy Friday – you made it!!  Woot!)

Mwah.

Just a quick post [...]]]> Hello there friends!  How’s the week treating you?  Well I hope, though the weather may be turning colder where you are too (to those of you to whom that means you’re pulling your jackets out because it’s down to 70 degrees… I expect an invitation and plane ticket in February…).

Just a quick post today to share that my latest review at Craft Critique is up, which includes a mish-mosh of projects and products I received from Sakura.  I had a great time playing with them, but I think this little guy is my favorite:

To create I used:

• A tin pail
• Sakura Permapaque Markers in black, red, and green. (received for the review)
• Sparkle Mod Podge
• Stickles
• Spare ribbon / string type stuff (it sparkled)
• Mini black boa (no I didn’t just have it lying around)
• Sparkle Black Felt
• Two Popsicle sticks (for the ears)

To make:

1. Draw the eyes and nose first with the red and green markers.  These come with a dual tip, fine on one end and chisel on the other, so they are easy to add detail with.
2. “Paint” the pail with the chisel end of the black Permapaque marker.  Mine took 2 coats (it dries quickly, so this took about 20 minutes in front of the TV)
3. Once dry, coat the pail with a layer of Sparkle Mod Podge (or glossy or matte if my cat is too “Vegas” for your taste).  Use this sticky glue opportunity to attach the whiskers.
4. Use the glitter and / or Stickles to add detail to the mouth and eyes if desired.
5. Attach the black boa to the top and the bottom of the pail using adhesive dots.  Michael’s has  mini black boa’s right now in their Halloween collection, I believe it was around $2.00.  
6. To make the ears, cut two triangles from a piece of felt, and attach them to the ends of two popsicle sticks.  When your pail is full of treats, stick the sticks right down in them to make the ears stand up.
7. Eat said treats so that the ears fall over, and you need to go buy more chocolate.

Thanks for stopping by today friends, and thank you so much for stopping by Craft Critique today too.  I had great success with some of their products and not so much with others, but can’t wait to continue to experiment and learn more.  I’d love to hear from you there!  

Have a great day!

Just popping on today to share a few new digital layouts created for Designs by Leah at Funky Playground Designs.  The great thing I’ve found about digital scrapbooking is that it’s easy to make time for.  I may not have been up to my [...]]]> Hello all!  How’s it going?  Hope the end of the summer is treating you well. 

Just popping on today to share a few new digital layouts created for Designs by Leah at Funky Playground Designs.  The great thing I’ve found about digital scrapbooking is that it’s easy to make time for.  I may not have been up to my elbows in Mod Podge lately but there is always time to whip out the laptop and play around on PSE for a bit.  

While watching Glee.  I told you I’d be obsessed… and now that it’s on it is official.  

First here’s a couple created with the Kinda Campy Kit.  Such cute, cute elements in this one:

White water rafting is so much fun.  I love the kind of things that give you a little flutter of fear before trying them, and then you do them anyway, and you end up having the time of your life.  (I also enjoy taking pictures of friends in dorky helmets… you never know when that’s going to come in handy).

An ode to Alan’s favorite Disney ride.  This is not a case of something that begins with fear and ends with having a good time… to me, this is dread, followed by a bit of fun for the first 10 seconds, and ended with a good God don’t you EVER make me go on that thing again.  But… inevitably I need to endure it so he’ll endure the 2 hour wait to ride Peter Pan’s Flight with me, so it’s worth it.

Here’s one from a freebie kit!  Backyard Buzz has my absolute favorite alpha set that Leah has created so far, and you can get it for F-R-E-E.  Say it with me, whoo hoo!

Funky Playground has a forum with this and other super cute freebies for downloading which you can find here.

And finally, here’s a layout featuring two uber-adorable-pinch-their-cheeks-off niece and nephew:

Oh I could just eat them up.  This one was made with Leah’s new Vintage Fruity Papers.

I’ve really been immersed in the digi world lately, in fact I thought I’d also share the link to my my recent article for Craft Critique in case you too have begun to collect a surplus of digital supplies and have not yet discovered ACDsee Photo Organizing Software.  I really love using it and know you will too. 

I am coming up for air ya’ll.  I’m sorry posting has been light the past month or so, but I’m getting my groove back on and you’ll begin seeing more again.  Thanks for stickin with me, commenting anyway, and just plain ole’ being there.  My readers and crafty friends are a big part of why I make the time to create.  You guys rock.

Hope you have a wonderful day today, and do come back soon!

I’m skipping a Five on Friday post today because I couldn’t wait to share the information about a very special project that I am participating in through Craft Critique, and also to encourage you to participate as well.  

The Houston Holocaust Museum has begun a phenomenal art exhibit and memorial project, and needs [...]]]> Hello dear friends.  :) 

I’m skipping a Five on Friday post today because I couldn’t wait to share the information about a very special project that I am participating in through Craft Critique, and also to encourage you to participate as well.  

The Houston Holocaust Museum has begun a phenomenal art exhibit and memorial project, and needs all of our help to make it a success.   In memory of the 1,500,000 children who were lost during the holocaust, the museum has put out a call to collect 1,500,000 handmade butterflies from anyone who would like to send them in.   They have already collected over 400,000!  Can you imagine?!   What an amazing outpouring of support and love already. 

What a great way for us as crafters to contribute to such a moving piece.

What a wonderful way to really and truly make something full of meaning.

Please consider making a few butterflies for the project, which you can read more about here, including  just a few guidelines to help them ensure the exhibit is a success.   We’d love it if you  joined in on Craft Critique’s joint effort by visiting Sarah’s post on why Craft Critique chose this particular project, and also where to mail your butterflies.    The staff at Craft Critique will also be posting quick and easy tutorials for creating butterflies to give you some ideas.

Here’s mine, folded paper butterflies:

You can check out the tutorial by going to today’s post.

I’ll end today’s request by sharing the same poem which was shared on the Houston Holocaust Museum site,

The Butterfly

The last, the very last,
So richly, brightly, dazzlingly yellow.
Perhaps if the sun’s tears would sing against a white stone….
Such, such a yellow Is carried lightly ‘way up high.

It went away I’m sure because it wished to kiss the world good-bye.
For seven weeks I’ve lived in here,
Penned up inside this ghetto.
But I have found what I love here.

The dandelions call to me
And the white chestnut branches in the court.
Only I never saw another butterfly.
That butterfly was the last one.
Butterflies don’t live in here, in the ghetto.

Pavel Friedman, June 4, 1942
Born in Prague on January 7, 1921.
Deported to the Terezin Concentration Camp on April 26, 1942.
Died in Aushchwitz on September 29, 1944.

Thank you so much for participating if you can friends. 

Have a wonderful day and see you soon.

Hello all!  Happy Monday and welcome to a new week!

Today my [...]]]> Update! Danielle Thompson has generously offered a give-away for some of the Kitschy Products on the Craft Critique blog.  Be sure to visit and leave a comment there on any of the Kitschy posts by Friday night for a chance to win!

Hello all!  Happy Monday and welcome to a new week!

Today my latest article for Craft Critique is up, and it was such a fun one to do.  Focusing on Kitschy Digitals cut out sheets for the hybrid or non-digi scrapper was a blast, pushing me to think outside the box a little bit but loving the fun designs and colors so much! 

Here’s a couple layouts and a project I put together:

Dearest Bob.  He is the first thing Alan and I ever bought for our house together.  Honestly I think it was the day we closed the sale.  We went to Home Depot to start to day dream about projects, ran across a shelf full of Bob’s, looked at each other and said “Aw c’mon… every home needs a garden gnome”. 

Bob is also a sprinkler… his head pops up and he spews water from his neck in all directions.

I know…. freaky cool.

Here’s another:

You might recognize those photos from this post.  

And then a little recipe book made from a Making Memories journaling tag book.  Aren’t these little fruit elements adorable? 

Love them! 

I have tons of wonderful product left over that will find it’s way into a few more projects in the near future I’m sure.  In the meantime to see some detail shots and inside the album, as well as one more project… I’d love it if you headed over to Craft Critque to read the article itself.  Loved these – definitely some pros and cons – but really loved them. 

Here’s the link:  Kitschy Digitals Review – Cut Out Sheets

Thanks so much! 

Tonight I have big plans, I am doing some digi scrapping that I’ll share asap along with a super fun opportunity that I’m so excited and honored about!

It’s not a secret… I just like supsense.   Hee hee.

Hope you’re having an ok day, and if not,  just think of it as that much closer to Friday.    Have a wonderful afternoon and thanks for stopping by!