Reality Has Its Limits ...

Happy Friday, hoarding paper-crafters!

Today's hybrid card project was created using a digital image from the Land of Nod Studios for The Stamp Man's "Vintage" challenge to submit to the Order of the Opus Gluei's "Branching Out" challenge.

This card also qualifies for a number of fun and fabulous blog challenges ... for a complete list, please see the bottom of this post. And for the down-low on all of the exciting product I used, please refer to the Card Recipe, below.

To create the aged and crazed appearance on the Tim Holtz Plaquette, I followed the amazing Wendy Vecchio's "Faux Crazed Porcelain" tutorial ... you can find Wendy's step-by-step instructions HERE. The mini-gears were cut from chipboard with Tim's dies, then heat embossed using Distress Embossing powders.

Soooooooooo, yesterday Sheila asked me to drive her to the car dealership so that she could pick up her vehicle. When we arrived, the receptionist told us the Sheila's keys had been locked inside.

"I better not be paying for this snafu!" Sheila remarked. Loudly.

When we went out back to the Service Department, we found a mechanic working feverishly to unlock the driver's side door. I took a chance and walked around to the passenger side and tried the door handle and ... surprise, it was unlocked!

"Hey," Sheila announced to the mechanic, "it's open!"

The mechanic said, "Oh, yeah, I know. I already got that side."

I did not know that you could actually see smoke comin' out of someone's ears ...

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me ... have a very crafty St. Patrick's Day weekend!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• 7 Kids Challenge: Anything Goes (Mini Gears Die/Distress Inks)
• Anything Goes Challenge: Boyz to Men
• ATC's & Cards with Attitude: Steampunk / Anything Goes
  
• Bunny Zoe's Crafts: Shabby Chic / Vintage
• Cards And More: Primped
• Craft Room Challenge: Shabby / Vintage
• Creative Card Crew: Vintage
• Gingersnap Creations Color Challenge: Two Colors Only
• Jellypark Friends: Stamping/Embossing/Cardmaking
  
• Just Tracy's Crafts: Use a Hat
  
• Milk Coffee Challenge: Anything Goes
• One Stitch at a Time: Use a Digi
  
• Order of the Opus Gluei: Branching Out
  
• The Crazy Challenge: No Designer Paper
• The Paper Shelter Challenge: For the Boys
• The Stamp Man Challenge: Vintage
  
• Whimsy Inspires: Wet Embossing (Gears)
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: Kraft Card Stock by PTI
• Other Paper: Chipboard
  
• Digital Image: Land of Nod Studio's Collage Sheet
• Stamps: Harlequin Background Stamp by Stampin' Up; All Other Stamps from "Stuff To Say" Stamp Set by Tim Holtz
• Ink: "Jet Black" Archival Ink by Ranger; "Pumice Stone" Distress Ink by Tim Holtz; "Chestnut Roan" Fluid Chalk Ink by Clearsnap
• Other Medium: Mister Huey's "Calico White" Color Mist by Studio Calico; "Diet Cola" Memories Mist by Stewart; "Pitch Black" Paint Dabber by Adirondack; "Rock Candy" Distress Crackle Paint by Tim Holtz; Glue 'n' Seal Adhesive by Ranger
  
• Accessories: Number Plaquette, Game Spinner, Washer, and Long Fastener by Tim Holtz; Black Brads; "Black Soot" and "Weathered Wood" Distress Embossing Powder by Tim Holtz
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine by Sizzix; Awl; Hammer; Heat Tool; Distress Embossing Ink by Tim Holtz; Craft Pick by Tim Holtz; "Mini Gears" Movers and Shapers Die by Tim Holtz; "Tiny Tabs and Tags" Bigz Die by Tim Holtz
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
  

Alcohol Ink Plaid ...

Happy Stump Day, hampers!

Today's card project was created for Studio L3's Grungy Monday, #39. This week, the challenge, sponsored by Simon Says Stamp, is to create a plaid pattern on card stock using alcohol inks following Tim Holtz's technique on 'The 12 Tags of Christmas, 2009, Day 3." You can see Linda's sample and read all about the challenge, HERE ... to see Tim's projects and to check out the tutorial, clicky HERE.

Things were not going well for me with this challenge and after several attempts, I decided to throw in the towel ... can't create 'em all! While swiping off the excess alcohol inks from my felt pad, I created the above pattern and decided I loved it ... a happy accident! And I much prefer this delicate plaid to other, bolder patterns.

I'm entering this card in a number of fab blog challenges; for the complete list please refer to the bottom of this post. And for all of the exciting product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Soooooo, yesterday I was hanging out with Sheila when her crazy sister, Jill, stopped by with a question:

"How many rolls of wallpaper did you say you bought for your bedroom?"

"Twelve." Sheila answered.

"Well, that's weird," Jill mused, "I measured and our rooms are almost exactly the same size so I bought twelve rolls for my bedroom too, but I've got five rolls left over!"

"Yeah," said Sheila. "I did too."

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• A Gem of a Challenge: Perfect Pastels
• CES Challenge: Charmed
  
• Celebrate the Occasion: Metal
• City Crafter: Things In My Heart (This Papillon Stamp Set!)
• Crafter's Companion: Spring
  
• Crafty Sentiments: Things With Wings
• Crazy 4 Challenges: Spring
  
• Deep Ocean Challenge: Butterflies
  
• Forever Friends: Animals / Use a Charm
• Grungy Monday #39: Alcohol Ink Plaid
• Karen's Doodles: Something Special (Papillon Stamp Set)
• Ladybug Crafts Ink: Anything Goes
• Lindy's Link Party: Spring Fling
  
• Simon Says Stamp & Show: Anything Goes
• Sweet Stampin' Challenge: Layers
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: Stampers Select White Card Stock by PTI; Glossy White Card Stock by Ranger
  
• Designer Paper: Lost and Found Paper Stash by Tim Holtz
• Stamps: "Papillon" Stamp Set by Tim Holtz; "Stuff to Say" Stamp Set by Tim Holtz
• Ink: "Jet Black" Archival Ink by Ranger
• Other Color Medium: Assorted Alcohol Inks by Adirondack; "Juniper" Paint Dabber by Adirondack
• Accessories: Washers, Long Fasteners, and Jump Ring by Tim Holtz; Philosophy Charm by Tim Holtz; Vintage Needlepoint Cotton by Jolles, Personal Collection
• Tools: Felt Pad and Handle by Tim Holtz; Awl; Hammer; Foam Dimensionals
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
  

#2 of 12 of '12 ...

Happy Monday, crafty stampers ... hope your weekend was long and wonderful!

Today's altered tag was created for Tim's "12 Tags of 2012, March," for entry in the Order of the Opus Gluei's "Celebrating Trees and Nature" challenge following the Bingo pattern at Fashionable Stamping.

For more info on Tim's March, 2012, tag challenge ... or to check out Tim's tag and step-by-step tutorial, clicky HERE ... the other challenge info can be found below.

In addition to these challenges, this tag also qualifies for a number of fabulous challenges ... please refer to the bottom of this post for the complete list. And for the down-low on all of the exciting product I used to create this tag, check out the Tag Ingredients, below.

Soooooooo, this weekend Sheila and I planned a shopping expedition to the Mall. When Sheila's DH caught wind of our plans, he invited himself along.

"You two just go on ahead," Ken said. "I'm gonna browse in the hardware store."

An hour or so later, we returned and saw him at the checkout counter. The clerk was ringing up the last of a pile of tools and supplies that would fill two wheelbarrows.

"OMG, are you buying all this stuff?" Sheila asked incredulously.

"Well, yes," he said, embarrassed. Then waving his arm toward the interior of the store he added, "But look at all the stuff I'm leaving behind!"

Uh oh, there's one that'll come back to haunt him ...

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• 7 Kids College Fund Challenge: Not a Card
• Fashionable Stamping: Bingo (Metal/Distressing/Vintage)
• Frosted Designs: Use Kraft Paper (Tag)
• Guylou's Inimitability: Things with Wings
• Hot Shot Craft: Ribbon
• Inspire Me Fridays #49: Anything Goes
• Lisa Somerville's Blogger Challenge: 3-D
• Order of the Opus Gluei: Trees and Nature
• Pattie's Creations: Tags
• Prairie Fairy Fridays: Distress It
• Secret Crafter Saturday: No Image, Just Words
• Sentimental Sundays: Recycle (Stamped on Packaging)
  
• Sunday Stamper: Misty ("Diet Cola" Memories Mist on Tag)
• Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of 2012: March
  
• Totally Papercrafts: Favorites (Seam Binding/Metal/Die-Cuts)
  

Tag Ingredients:

• Card Stock: "Pure Black" and "Kraft" Card Stock by PTI
• Designer Paper: Snippets from "Lost & Found" Collection by Tim Holtz
  
• Other Paper: Grungeboard by Tim Holtz
• Stamps: Sentiment from "Lost & Found" Stamp Set by Tim Holtz
• Ink: "Black Soot," "Gathered Twigs," and "Walnut Stain" Distress Inks by Tim Holtz
• Other Color Medium: "Brushed Corduroy" and "Wild Honey" Distress Stains by Tim Holtz; "Diet Cola" Memories Mist by Stewart Superior
• Accessories: Seam Binding by Hug Snug; Metal Foliage by Tim Holtz; Memo Pin by Tim Holtz; Trinket Pin by Tim Holtz; Long Fastener by Tim Holtz; Journaling and Adage Tickets by Tim Holtz; "Gilded Lily" Embossing Powder by Powder Key
  
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine by Sizzix; Butterfly Die by PTI; "Wood Grain" Texture Fade by Tim Holtz; "Vintage Lace" Die by Tim Holtz; Tag and Bookplates Die by Tim Holtz; Tonic Scissors, Craft Sheet, Sanding Block, and Blending Tool by Tim Holtz; Wonder Tape by Ranger; Mini Glue Dots; Foam Dimensionals; Glossy Accents by Tim Holtz
• Finished Size: 3 1/8" x 6 1/4"
  

"Going Green" Paper Bag Card ...

Happy Friday, stamping paper-crafters!

Today's altered paper bag card was created for the Inspiration Journal's current challenge, "Go Green." Not surprisingly, this month's challenge is a color challenge. For all of the challenging deets ... and to see all of the amazing "green" entries, clicky HERE.

A number of other fabulous challenges were the inspiration for this altered paper bag card ... for the complete list, please refer to the bottom of the post.

Lots of vintage ephemera and fun details went into this project such as a vintage milk bottle cap, vintage Bingo card images, vintage anagram letter tiles, and three metal Milagros charms.

Here's a look-see at the interior of the card:



And the covers:


If you'd like to give this paper bag card a home, it is available for purchase for $12.99 ... with free shipping to any U.S. address. Simply post a comment letting me know you're interested.

Sooooo, last night I stopped by Sheila's and came upon the happy couple revisiting an old argument:

"Honey," Sheila's DH was saying, "why do you keep bringing that up? I thought your policy was forgive and forget.'"

"It is," Sheila said. "I just don't want you to forget that I've forgiven and forgotten."

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me ... hope you have a very crafty weekend!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Alphabet Challenge: 'C' for Celebrate St. Patrick's Day
• C.R.A.F.T.: Song Inspiration: 'Wearing of the Green'
• Clearly I Stamp: Anything Goes
• Delightful Challenges: St. Patrick's Day
• Diva's by Design: Favorites (Vintage/Distressing/Charms)
  
• Digistamps 4 Joy: Green
  
• Do You Stack Up: Go Green
  
• Everybody Art: Paper Bag
• Hiding In My Craft Room: Color Challenge
• Hybrid Chick Card Caravan: Lucky Green
  
• Inky Impressions: Luck of the Irish
• My Grafico Challenge: St. Patrick's Day
  
• Paper Issues: Go Green or Go Home
  
• Paper Play: Recycle (Paper Bags)
  
• Paper Pretties: Going Green
• Papercraft Star: Lucky St. Patrick's Day
  
• Pixie Dust Challenge: Show Us Your Irish
• Scrap-Creations: St. Paddy's Day
• Scrap-it Girl: Goin' Green/Recycle
  
• Shelly's Images: Green/Gold St. Patrick's Day
• Southern Girls Challenge: Show Us a Secret
• The Queen's Royal Digi-Challenge: Anything Goes/Green
  
• Whimsical Wednesday: Go Green
  

Card Ingredients:

• Paper Bag: Paper Bag by ULine
• Designer Paper: "Ireland" and "St. Patrick's Day" by Paper Love Designs (NLA)
• Card Stock: Vintage Cream by PTI
  
• Other Paper: Vintage Bingo Card, Distressed Shipping Tags, Mini Paper Bag, and Vintage Image from Personal Collection; Vintage Photo Corners; Scalloped Title Card, Unknown; Shamrocks by Recollections; Vintage Playing Card
  
• Stamp: Sentiment by Limited Edition
• Digital Image: Land of Nod Studio
  
• Ink: "Gathered Twigs," "Vintage Photo," and "Walnut Stain" Distress Inks by Tim Holtz; "Chestnut Roan" Fluid Chalk Ink by Clearsnap
• Accessories: Memo Pin by Tim Holtz; Crown by Leisure Arts' Memories in the Making; Metal Milagros Charms; Charm Clip by Tim Holtz; Seam Binding by Martha Stewart; Vintage Anagram Letter Tiles, Personal Collection
  
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine by Sizzix; "Brackets" On the Edge Die by Tim Holtz for Sizzix; Foam Dimensionals; Ink Blending Tool by Tim Holtz; Corner Chomper by WRMK'ers
• Finished Size: 6" x 12"
  

Bird's Nest in a Bottle ...

Hello and happy Stump Day, hampers!

Today's altered project was created for the current Simon Says Stamp and Show Challenge. This week, the "Bottle It" challenge is to create a project using a bottle ... betcha didn't see that coming, LOL! For all of the challenging deets ... or to see the amazing 'bottled' projects already posted ... clicky HERE.

This altered art project qualifies for several fabulous blog challenges ... a complete list is available below. And for the short-list of product I used to create this bird's-nest-in-a-bottle, please check out the Ingredients at the bottom of this post.

Soooooooo, yesterday I stopped by Sheila's for a quick second. When I parked my car, I heard voices coming from their garage/workshop and headed that way. Turned out, it was Sheila's DH, Ken, and Reid-the-Wild-Child:

"So, there's this girl at school who likes me." I overhead The-Wild-Child say.

"Well, how do you feel about that?" Ken asked.

"Okay I guess but I don't want to get married yet."

"Well, of course you don't!" Ken replied.

"Yup, when I get old enough I want to marry a really nice lady ... a smart lady ... a pretty lady ... a lady who'll be a real good Mommy ... and a lady who will make me laugh and smile everyday!" Reid pronounced.

"Better make up your mind, Son."

Yikes! Good thing Sheila didn't hear that!

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Always Crafting Creative Mondays: Anything Goes
• Catered Crop: Ribbon
• Craft Your Passion: Anything Goes
• Deep Ocean Challenge: Spring
• Incy Wincy: Something Old=Bottle/Something New= Stamp
• Gingerloft: Spring
• Gingersnap Creations: Two Colors (Turquoise/Honey Yellow)
  
• One Stitch at a Time: Reuse/Recycle (Apothecary Jar/Bottle)
  
• Paper Creations Ink: Spring is in the Air
• Pollycraft Monday: Spring is Sprung
• Smudgy Antics: Anything Goes
  
• The Kraft Journal: Fun Shapes
• The Pixie Cottage: Anything Goes
  
• Tuesday Throwdown: New Life
  

"Nest" Ingredients:

• Bottle: Vintage Apothecary Jar/Bottle from Thrift Store
• Nest Material: Excelsior
• Paper: Kraft Paper Shipping Tag
• Stamp: Sentiment from 'Ink Stained Room' Collection by Queen Kat Designs
• Ink: Black Soot Distress Ink by Tim Holtz; Walnut Ink Crystals
  
• Other Color Medium: Tumbled Glass, Walnut Stain, and Wild Honey Distress Stains by Tim Holtz
  
• Accessories: Wooden Eggs, Personal Collection; Hand Charm from Charm Stash; Seam Binding by Hug Snug; Vintage Anagram Letter Tiles, Personal Collection
• Finished Size: 7" x 4" x 3"
  

An Irish Spring~Punk ATC ...

Happy Monday, Stampers ... hope your weekend was long and wonderful!

Today's ATC was created for the Artistic Outpost's March Referral Challenge. This month, the challenge is to create a "Spring-punk" project ... however you might interpret that. This is my Irish-inclined interpretation of AO's Spring-punk theme using the year stamp from the 'Paris Exposition' set and a word stamp from the 'French Flight' set.

This ATC also qualifies for several terrific blog challenges ... for a complete list, please refer to the bottom of this post. And for the down-low on all of the product I used, check out the ATC Ingredients, below.

Sooooooooo, this weekend the DH and I spent some time with Sheila and her DH.

As we were sitting chatting, a teensy disagreement blew up between Mr. & Mrs. Sheila:

"You're impossible." Sheila sputtered.

To which Mr. Sheila replied, "No; I'm next to impossible."

Give it a minute ...

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• ATC's & Cards With Attitude: Anything Goes
• Crafts 4 Eternity: Digital Delights (Steampunk Gent)
  
• Crafty Ann's Challenge: Anything But a Card
• Crafty Calendar: Spring Clean (Designer Paper/Yarn)
• Forever Night: Photo Inspiration
  
• House of Gilli: Gilli Goes Green
• Mark's Finest Papers: ReUse (Ribbon/Fibers ReUsed)
• Pal's Paper Arts: Color Inspiration (Added Orange)
  
• Pattie's Creations: Vintage
  
• Really Reasonable Ribbon: Green/Ribbon
• Secret Crafter Saturday: Green for Go
  
• Simply Create Too: I'm SssOooo Lucky
  
• Stamp, Scrap & Doodle: Use Your Stash (DP/Fibers)
• Take a Word: Masculine
  
• The Craft Garden: Photo Inspiration
• The Crazy Challenge: Steampunk
  

ATC Ingredients:

• ATC Base: Matboard
• Designer Paper: 'St. Patrick's Day'' from Paper Love Designs (NLA)
• Stamps: Date Stamp from Paris Exposition Set by Artistic Outpost; Word Stamp from French Flight Set by Artistic Outpost
• Digital Image: Land of Nod Studio
  
• Ink: Black Soot and Gathered Twigs Distress Ink by Tim Holtz
• Accessories: Green Ribbon and Fiber from Stash; Hinge Clip by Tim Holtz; Sprocket Gears by Tim Holtz; Game Spinner by Tim Holtz; Crown Adornment by Tim Holtz; Watch Face by Tim Holtz; Light Bulb by Tim Holtz; Gold Wire from Stash; Vintage Photo Corner, Personal Collection
• Tools: Foam Tape; Glue 'n' Seal Adhesive by Ranger
• Finished Size: 2 1/2" x 3 1/2"
  

A 'Faux Leather' Vintage Valise ...

TGiF hoarding paper-crafters!

Today's project was created for the Gingersnap Creations Random Redhead Challenge, "Use a Faux Technique." I decided to use the 'Faux Leather' technique to create the look of an old leather valise using Tim Holtz's 'Vintage Valise' die. For all of the challenging deets ... and to see all of the amazing 'faux' techniques posted ... clicky HERE to visit the current Random Redhead challenge at Gingersnap Creations.

I'm also entering this project in the My Mojo Monthly challenge, Vintage Vibes. I love any-and-all-things vintage and this great die by Tim Holtz is no exception. I've been collecting antiques my entire life and my love for this esthetic has spread into my crafting life.

This project qualifies for several other fab challenges ... check out the complete list, below. And for the down-low on the product I used to create this 'faux leather' valise, please see the Ingredients list at the bottom of this post.

Sooooo, yesterday I arrived at Sheila's at the exact moment her DH was rushing out the door:

"What's the hurry, Big Guy ... tryin' to get away from me?" I asked.

"Heck no, Deb, Sheila's in there ... ummm ... singing."

"And that's a problem because ... ?"

"Because I want to make it clear to the neighbors that I'm not beating her."

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me ... have a very crafty weekend!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• 4 Crafty Chicks: Anything But a Card
• Anything Goes Challenge: Altered (Cereal Box)
  
• Creative Time for Me: No Electronic Cutter
• Desert Islands Crafts: Itinerary (#1, #2, #8, #9, #10)
• Desmet Designs: Anything Goes
  
• Frosted Designs: Numbers (On Luggage Tags)
  
• Inspire Me Fridays #48: Anything Goes
• More Than Favors: Vacation (Luggage)
  
• Paper Crafting Journey: Anything Goes
• Paper Play Challenges: Old (Stamps) New (Valise Die)
• Scrap It Girl: Go Green & Recycle (Recycled Cereal Box)
• Stamp 'n' Doodle: Embossing (Heat Embossing)
  
• The Artistic Stamper: Travel
• Tuesday Throwdown: Paper Tearing (Tore Masking Tape)
  

Valise Ingredients:

• Valise Base and Accessories: Recycled Cereal Box
• Card Stock: "Always Artichoke" and "Tangerine Tango" by Stampin' Up; Blue Card Stock by Georgia Pacific
• Masking Tape
• Stamps: All Stamps from "Ephemera" Stamp Set by 7gypsies
• Ink: "Jet Black" Archival Ink by Ranger; "Gathered Twigs" and "Walnut Stain" Distress Inks by Tim Holtz
• Other Color Medium: "Copper," "Espresso," and "Juniper" Paint Dabbers by Adirondack
• Accessories: Jute Twine, Unknown; Mini Screw-Top Fasteners by Tim Holtz; Clear Embossing Powder by Ranger; Glossy Accents by Tim Holtz; Crafter's Pick by Tim Holtz
  
• Tools: Die Cut Machine by Sizzix; "Vintage Valise" Die by Tim Holtz; Crop-A-Dile by WRMK'ers; Heat Tool
  
• Finished Size: 6" x 4 1/8"