Wedding Collage

Hillary and Jackie got married on the beach at sunset October 4 in Florida.  Then they left for a honeymoon cruise.  Their colors were teal and coral and they both love to scuba dive.  I tried to incorporate that BEACH there into their collage.

The 3-D shell and fish design was created using plastic that you melt and press into molds.  I added shells, nautical buttons and seed pearls plus a small fish carved from bone as the center piece.

I added gold rings tied with a teal ribbon and stamped the date using the Alphabet Stamp.

The Cake (retired set) was adorned with flowers and glitter glue.

The monogram was stamped using the Skinny Mini Alpahbet set

It's good to keep retied sets as I used them to adorn the monogram and create the 2 last panels

aRt jOuRNaL

This journal is covered in the same way as the previous journal but in addition to the embossing I stamped several images on to the paper before I embossed.  

I used Pool Party as the base and coordinated with Crumb Cake.  

Lots of tags and layers give this Journal a more artistic flair.  

I used the stamp set  Loving Thoughts to create the sentiments.  

The banner punch added some additional visual interest.   

A dioly filled up some space above the Journal tag which was stamped using the new Skinny Mini Alphabet.  I love this new stamp set-so versatile!

Please leave your comments!  

I love to hear from you!

Addicted to Journals

I had a request from a Stamp Camp Participant to teach a Prayer Journal Class.  And am I glad she ashed!

After spending some time I spent some time in my craft room today knocking out a few journals for a November craft show I participate in I've decided these are my new obsession Oh, My--I am addicted to creating journals as you'll can see by the many different styles in the next few posts.

 For this Prayer Journal I used stippled blossoms and Skinny Mini Alphabet in Pool Party and Calypso Coral

1)  Select a Journal that you wish to recover.  It can be a cheap one from the dollar section of your local craft store or a composition notebook if you want one that is larger (on sale at back to school sales of only 50 cents!)  This was a chipboard cover and measured 6 x 6.

2)  Choose your paper(s).  Because the 12 x 12 paper was a tad short I had to trim the front with coordinating Designer Series paper.

3)  I embossed the Pool Paper for some added interest.

4)  I added a ribbon to the spine to use as a book mark.  Be sure to add this before you begin to adhere the paper.

5)  Adhere the paper using stick strip

6)  Stamp the Stippled blossoms using Chocolate Chip and Calypso Coral and Tangerine Tango and Tempting Turquoise.  The leaves were stamped in Old Olive.  Cut out.

7)  I used Skinny Mini Alphabet to stamp the words Prayer Journal in Old Olive.  I cut out the oval using the Oval Framelits and sponged the edges in Chocolate Chip.  I used a clear block that has a guide so I can line the letters up perfectly.  You have to place the letters on the block in REVERSE order...Stamp once to make sure they are lined up to your satisfaction before you stamp on your project.

I think these will make great gifts for my Tuesday Morning Bible study ladies.  

Beautiful!

Happy Crafting!

Diana

Mosaic Madness Flower

 This lovely Flower card was part of my last Stamp Camp.  It is made with the Mosaic Madness stamp set

I stamped and punched 8 of  the solid stamp in Crisp Cantaloupe.  The leaves were stamped in Pistachio Pudding (4).  I layered the punches using the stampin' dimensional s for this 

wonderful flower to give it some added pizzazz!.   

Imagine this being done for a bride in her wedding colors

I embossed a layer of whisper white and then cut out the ovals using the Oval Framelits.  I even saved the ring in case I wanted to use it for another project.  

This is a beautiful card-even prettier in person and could be used for a wedding, sympathy, 

get well or thinking of you...made with Red it could be a poinsettia for Christmas1

Happy Stampin'

Work of Art-Background

If you need a quick card, use this stamp set to create a one of a kind Valentine

Or use it to create a background for a larger stamp.

Use multiple shades of one color or stamp off to get the OMBRE' look

To create a seasonal palate use coordinating colors of golds and oranges to get this Autumn look

These are all quick and Beautiful

Work of Art-Honoring our Military

Having seen Lone Survivor over the weekend I was inspired to make 

a card to honor our Service men and Women.  

I used this stamp set to create the background for today's card.  

I used Soft Suede, Old Olive and Always Artichoke  inks.  

The center is stamped using For Your Country in soft Suede.  The edges are brushed with soft suede as well.  It is mounted on Chocolate chip and Soft Suede.  

I think the stamp set created a nice camouflage Designer Series Paper effect.

And a Flag Card could also be used to honor our military

Work of Art-Sunflower

Sunflowers remind me of SUMMER and FALL...

I absolutely love them

This was made using different shades of yellow and gold

The center is Cajun Craze

I used Gorgeous Grunge (another favorite) for the dots and added some glitter paint in the center for additional interest

The sentiment is Feel Goods.  

Work of Art-Holiday ideas

Work of Art is a Work horse!  It can be used for many Holiday ideas Such as creating a flag for Independence day or for use for our service men and women>

Or how about a Valentine Card?  I used several different shades of pink and red for the swipes and a darker red for the hearts and sentiment.  Easy!

Work of Art-Christmas

I hope you were inspired by my recent Work of Art post.  

Have you purchased this stamp set you?  What are you waiting for?  

Here is your Christmas in July inspiration

Work of Art Wreath

I think this is my favorite of all the cards I've created so far.  It is made using 2 different colors 

and stamping off occasionally to get some contrast.  The berries are made using red glitter paint.

Easy Peasy!  This MAY Be my Christmas Card this year!

Next I made a tree using 2 different stamps to get the shape.  

Wouldn't this be a great card for the kids to make?

I used Gorgeous Grunge to make the "ornaments" and punched a star out of gold glitter paper.  

So Easy-so Beautiful

Happy Stampin!

Diana

Work of Art Wednesday!

I have found my new favorite stamp set--Work of Art, page 165 in the 2014 catalog. 

What a versatile stamp set.  I've used it to create backgrounds, objects and

 Designer Paper with color combos that meet my needs.  You are going to love this stamp set.  I've created several samples which I will share over the next few days to whet your appetite for this set.

Since it is 98 degrees here today I've shared 2 of our favorite summer past times. Boating and Ice-cream.  

Stay tuned for more samples using this stamp set.  

I hope this will inspire you!  Share your samples with me

Happy Stampin'

Diana

Mini-Marathon 2014

We are running our Mini-Marathon tomorrow beginning at 7:30am

There will be about 16,000 runners.  

It's been a long road-training since January, snow,  and a hip injury.  I am so ready to do this race.  

It's been such a blessing to have a training group, the 42 Running Club.  My commitment to that group of awesome runners gets me out to run long distances on Saturday mornings...and without those long runs I would not be able to finish this race!

Our first goal is actually finish the race--

by pacing ourselves (11:46 per mile-not fast but still lapping everyone on the couch!)

Then to:

Avoiding an injury (watch for pot holes, other runners and gravel)

Maintaining our energy (with our gels at the start, mile 4, 8 and 12)

Consume plenty of water and energy drinks along the course

Only stop to go to the bathroom once (because it adds to your overall time!)

Listen to good music to keep me on pace and motivated

Run with my herd

set a PR (personal Record)--mine is 2 hours and 45 minutes or less

But my secret goal is 2 hours 37.5 minutes

Remember everything my coaches have taught me 

and to save something for the finish line when they will take my picture!

Because that last 0.1 mile REALLY is the HARDEST!

As promised...I am reporting my results today which is Wednesday following the race Saturday.  

I had a blood blister on my right foot after I finished racing (my first injury ever) and I think it was because I did not have my callus removed at the last pedicure.  It was too hard and caused the blister.

I was very pleased with my race results

The fastest I had ever completed a half marathon was 2 hours 49 minutes flat.  

Last year I completed the race in 2 hours 56 minutes and 40 seconds.

My spoken goal was 2 hours and 45 minutes and my aggressive goal was 2 hours and 40 minutes.

My unspoken and (in my mind) my unrealistic goal was 2 hours 36 minutes.

I had a PR (personal record) of 2 hours 37 minutes and 43 seconds 

which was 11 minutes and 17 seconds faster than I have ever run this distance and it was 18 minutes and 57 seconds faster than last year!  It made my "unrealistic goal" not appear all that unrealistic.  

Next race I will go for 2 hours 36 minutes as my aggressive goal!

Happy Running!

Another Family Shadow Box

This shadow box was created for my Uncle Joe who turns 80 a week after my dad.  

He always hated having his picture taken

These photos are of my mom and him on his High School graduation, his mom and dad 

and younger sister, Kathy, as a child (This picture was entered in a cute kid contest but I don't know if she won or not)

Happy 80th Birthday Uncle Joe!

Flower Shop and Pansy Punch

 I had so much fun with this stamp set and look forward to using it again in the very near future.  The flowers are just perfect.  I did struggle a bit using the pansy punch-as I was unsure of how to line it up properly with the stamped image.  I finally decided to just punch them out and as you can see it doesn't seem to matter too much how they are aligned with the punch.  The centers of the flowers are using the 1/2 inch circle punch and are punched from extra flowers.

As you can see, this stamp set works well for numerous occasions, like the sympathy card above.  I think this would be gorgeous stamped in blacks and soft suede for sympathy

You could stamp this in blues for baby boys, pinks for baby girls, yellows for get well and so on.

I used the new Cantaloupe and Coastal Cabana on these

Stay tuned for more from the Flower Shop.

Happy Crafting,

Diana

Bee-Lieve

We will run the Kentucky Derby Mini-Marathon this Saturday, April 19th

Our Coach-Dee was stung by a bee while training several years ago and incorporated that event into her training strategy--Bee-Lieve

This card was made to thank Her (and Julie) for their dedication and inspiration to our running club.

The body of the bee is made by using the ornament punch.  Punch one black and one yellow.  I trimmed the yellow into stripes and glued using the Tombow.  

The head is the 1/4 inch round punch (one was embossed with dots and I really liked this look).  

The antennae were made by taking a very thin strip of black, cutting it down the middle and rolling around a pencil point.  

The wings are made using the oval punch with patterned vellum.  

I had the octagonal stamp (frequently use it with Chicken Motif cards)

I used my computer to type the words and each 8 1/2 X 11 piece of card stock made 4 card bases.  

I might be inclined to distress the bee body and wings with basic black in future versions of this card.  

THis card was made using So Saffron as the top layer while the other card used So Saffron as the card base

I like them both.  

Check back to see how long it took me to run 13.1 miles!  

My goal is to complete it in under 2 hours 45 minutes

Happy Stampin' (and Running)

Fairy Journal

I had a journal with an interesting flap that I decided to embellish with a chipboard ORNAMENT.  I used glitter glue and some gems and pearls.  I think it took a ho-hum journal and kicked it up a notch!

Go Baby Go!

The first Saturday in May is very special here in Kentucky because it is the date we always run the Kentucky Derby-the fastest, most exciting 2 minutes in sports.  The Derby, is the first leg of the triple crown of racing (Preakness and Belmont) for 3 year olds thoroughbred racehorses.

To honor that event I created a card using punches to create a horse.  

Punch 2 extra-large ovals, 4 large ovals out of the body color of your choice.  

Cut 4 "ends" of the oval for the hooves.

I cur the body using the oval framelits.

I hand cut the bridle and the mane is made using a flower punch-Boho Blossoms.  

The fence is made using the modern label punch.

The background is embossed using the Square Lattice folder.

The eyes and nostrils are made with the Owl punch.  

I used plenty of dimensionasl to give this some depth.  

I would have used the new scissors to make the grass but it is on BACK ORDER!--so I just cut, cut cut

Flowers are a punch from Michaels.

This would make a cute party invitation or thank you for a party we're invited to, 

I just love this Card and think I will name my pony-Glenngary (after my Dad and Husband)

Happy Stampin!

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

I originally made this card for Valentines using the new Ampersand Embossing folder 

on Core'dinations paper in Strawberry Slush on a Baked Brown Sugar Base.  

I made the Ampersand design stand out by rubbing the edges with my sanding block.

The U and Me were stamped using an OLD alphabet stamp set in baked brown Sugar 

and cut using the Hearts a Flutter Framelit Dies.  

The small flowers are made using one of my favorite NON-Stampin' up purchases (Michael s for about $5

This card uses the new Sale-a-Bration Banner Blast stamp set and coordinating Banner Punch 

and the Perfect Pennants stamp set.  

SO CUTE-SO many possibilities.  

I plan on using this embossing folder for many sentiments...think of the possibilities

using any sentiment with an AND in it-replacing it with the AMPERSAND...

& they lived Happily ever After

& baby makes Three

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

& so on...

Happy Stampin'

Pure Gumption Graduation

Our School colors are Teal and Black and our 

Mascot is a Mustang since we live in thoroughbred country!  LOL

So this card plays off the TEAL and I used Pacific Point as the base

I stamped the background using the background stamp Hardwood and used Baked Brown Sugar ink.

I stamped the banner, Good for You using Pacific Point.

Simple...yes!

I may add a store-bought graduation cap sticker for some added interest.  I'll post an update if I do!

Enjoy!

Happy Stampin'

Diana 

More Prayer Boxes

You can make these in any color combo, use a variety of punches to make these 

personalized to the recipient.

This would be perfect for that teen attending Chrysalis

I love the Fall colors on this one and the texturized paper

This has an oriental flair

I have a couple of other ideas up my sleeve for these boxes...

Can't wait to share them with you later this month!

Prayer Box

I save all kinds of items thinking that they may come in handy one day for a craft Project.  And I was right!  This is created from a discarded ALTOID Box and I call it my prayer box.

Select paper that coordinates with the exterior of the box
Trace around the box on the WRONG side of the decorative paper and cut out on the OUTSIDE of your traced lines.
Line the Top and bottom of the box with Sticky Strip.  CAREFULLY place your decorative paper on the sticky strip and press out toward the edges.  Trim away any overhang using your paper snips.

For the Prayer Box label I typed the words on a word document using different colors and fonts and printed it out.  Be careful to leave enough room between each row so you can CUT between them, making it easy to use your punch.

For the Interior I typed the verse in Word using different colors and fonts.  I was able top get 6 on a page.

The verse reads 

When your Head Starts to Worry

and your Mind just can't Rest

put your Prayers down on Paper 

and Let God do the Rest

The note pad was purchased at Target in the dollar section.  I have also used post it notes but the correct size and color can be difficult to find,  Another favorite way to create papers is to use the  Label Framelit and cut out of coordinating papers.  

The pencils were purchased at Office Depot and are GOLF pencils.  This was the MOST expensive part of this gift (and I have 249 more!  LOL)

The exterior is decorated with a ribbon.  Trim the outside with Sticky strip and attach.  I secure the "seam" with some Tombow too.  

I'll post other examples! 

 In the mean time...what are you reading this Blog for--Get Craftin!

Diana