Cheesy Pic of Flowers from C & words to aestheticize oneself by

One ought every day at least, to hear a little song,
read a good poem, see a fine picture,

and if it were possible to speak a few reasonable words.

GOETHE

Corey Moortgat Book & New Year's Resolution not to be a Piggy Stamper!

I got this great book for Christmas from my marvelous mil. My Sweetie helped her pick it out; he looked at every page to be sure it was the best one for me. (I am more than lucky, I know.) :0) I read it cover to cover Christmas day. It really is perfect for me. I've been trying to talk myself into doing more collage work and to take up scrapbooking again. The author/artist Corey combines both collage & scrapbooking in a really fresh way. She's fearless and fun. She paints on photos, journals less than perfect moments as well as the great ones, and has funky techniques.

I'm especially excited to try her photo transfer technique (with just printed photos & water!) I'm thinking of trying it combined with stamping and doing a tutorial.

Here's the table of contents in case you're curious what's in Corey's book (click to read it):

And here's Corey's blog.

I'll have to stamp something soon; I'm jonesin' for ink! I've been cleaning my stamp room (and my dining room-slash-living room where I make most of my monumental messes, LOL.) One of my New Year's resolutions is to be less of a whirling dervish when I stamp. (Well, maybe I'm more like a stampin-piggy...or that cartoon character the Tasmanian devil!) ;0) What are your resolutions?

Happy New Year!
Mel

Caution Spoiler #2!!! Card Sketches from the New 2008 Stampin Up Catalogue

I found two layouts that I really lurve in the new catalogue. I had never thought to share layouts as drawings, until I saw my blog sistah Lynn do it (How brilliant!?!) Until I saw her sketch, I was always intimidated by having to make a pdf or sumthin.' Not anymore! ;0) So... here are some doodled sketches (with another spoiler peek at a 2008 set!) ;0)

LOVE this layout below and the stamping on the envelopes. (I plan on finding the template for that card box on the S.U. demo site, making it, & sharing it with you, so let me know if you'd like an email.) Layouts that use flowers (my gabillion homemade primas) are always a struggle for me, so this is a welcome design:


When you get a new catalogue are you an inker-upper? Or do you like to keep yours pristine? I'm a bad lil' inker-upper BIG time! I make the first pass through my catty---->(thinking which sets do I love?) Then I make a second pass through--Inking it up Baby!--->(wondering 'Which sets are the most versatile?'--jotting down how many ways can I think to use them...) I was unnaturally excited by the many ways you could cut out the flower in this new set Kind Thoughts. Don't worry, Stampin Up hasn't gone crazy: those weird dark lines around the flower are mine, (click for a closer look):

When I make my third pass through the catty, I look for awesome layouts. I have a memory like a wet paper bag--and I find layouts really challenging to do--so I love to keep track of great ones. I finally got in the habit of writing down who deserves credit for the layout, so I can give them their due if I use it later (duh, huh?).

The easiest way to keep track of card layouts (for me anyhow) is to keep a sketchbook beside my computer. Inside the sketchbook, I trace a standard card over and over (ahead of time) so I can just doodle in the details as I find great cards. The details of this one are so sweet aren't they? (...with the sentiment over the cut-out image and curled paper with the stamped scallop bellow it...):


Can't you just picture using this set to stamp in white on darker colours, or used in emboss resist, or used to make homemade designer paper? I can't wait to order it. I'll be having my first stamp club ever, so I hope they like it too. It's so flexible that it'll be a classic like Baroque Motifs, I'll bet. We'll soon see!

Thanks so much for stopping by. Let me know if you'd like the template for that card box. :0)
Mel

New Catalogue!!!!!!! Caution Spoiler! :-)

Above is a wee peek at part of one of my favourite sets: Always. I love that birdie.


A little boo at the backgrounds. There are 5 new ones that I just CAN NOT live without! LOL


A new jumbo wheel that goes with one of the new stamp set (title above it). I did manage some minuscule shred of will-power not to photograph it for you; suffice it to say it is a two-step stamp with a stunning design.


A new set that I adore. I can't wait to emboss it water-colour it & layer it, and bead it---or add felt bits (hint hint) sighhhhh! There's also something special in the catty that matches those three little flowers. Any guesses what that could be?

Hi Ladies and Jelly Spoons!

Okay, can you tell I'm excited? The new Spring Summer 2008 catalogue was waiting for me when I got home. DROOOOOL....

The most exciting part (above and beyond new stamps to choose from) is that prices are LOWER Baby! Being a Canadian demo, I've been relatively miffed about a dollar that is almost at par and prices that aren't. Stampin' Up appears to have been listening. Not only are the prices lower in the new 2008 catalogue (a background stamp, for instance, will now cost you $22.95 instead of $24.95) but you can also go ahead and take an extra 7% off of the prices in the catalogue. I'm pleased. (<-----Gross understatement!) :0) And the hostess minimum is now 200.00 instead of 225.00!

Some of the other exciting things that we got a hint of in the preview: rub-ons. The designs are fresh and funky. I can't wait to use them. AND there is a rub-on available in the sale-a-bration brochure (the sets in which are great.)

New trends I'm noticing:

1) Stamping Up! sayings have really improved. They were good before, but now they strike me as just perfect.
2) At least a couple of the new sets are available en Français as well: magnifique!!
3) Sets & accessories are designed to coordinate with each other more than ever before.
4) Stampin' Up is paying attention to the trends in textiles and fashion. The new sets have an intricate & eclectic edge to them that reflects the design world: Yummy! Eastern flair and bright colour combos are HOT.

You can order from the new catty on Wednesday the 2nd, but if you're sneaky (or savvy?) like me you may want to wait for sale-a-bration hehehehe! ;0). Here's the sale-a-bration brochure It runs from February 1st to March 17th. :0)

Happy catalogue browsing!
Mel

Pix from Our Holidays in Ucluelet on Vancouver Island

I don't usually post much personal schtuff on here, but I always enjoy getting to know people through their blog, so I thought I'd share a few photos from our holidays.

We spent some of our time in Ucluelet, on Vancouver Island, for my sweetie Charles's bithday (just before Christmas.) We spent a couple of days at a place called "The Cabins." Ours was a cabin that was right on the beach.

Nothing like the sound of the waves and an eagle in the distance. We had a rare glimpse of sunlight before a delightful (relatively small) storm. When we first got there we were also lucky to find the tide out, so we could explore. We found these crazy creatures in the sand:

This is a gooeyduck. They poke up out of the sand (and if you poke them, they squirt water like a fountain.) The kid in me couldn't resist a poke or two!--But I was very gentle. ;0)

Later it was so meditative to watch the tide-tossed shore:

Here's our cabin:

And the lodge they're now converting:

The view from our balcony was just heavenly:




Some more West Coast wildlife:

Hope you have all enjoyed your holidays as much as I have. I'm feeling so blessed by all of the love in my life, and I'm excited to start a fresh new year. May your new year be the best you've ever had,

Mel

Office Set--an affordable gift idea

I've been wanting to make an office set to give to my marvelous m.i.l., Esther, for months. When I went to look for goodies to cover; though, I was not having much luck. So, I went a little bonkers: a kleenex box!?! Who the heck alters a kleenex box, you might ask. Well, it was a bit of a pain in the pain in the tuckus , lol-(I'm just all thumbs, 'cause that hole in the top was HARD!) but I think it'll be useful and it's prettier than some kleenex boxes. ;0)

I photocopied the BasicGrey paper (Jubilee/Spearmint FRU-609) I know, my bad--probably copyright infringement, but I'm not trying to avoid buying it--it's cheaper to buy the real paper than copy it--it's just that the thick stuff wouldn't Mod-Podge onto the kleenex box. Also this is just personal use and I used loads of the real stuff. Okay okay...plenty of justification going on here...Then, why do I still feel guilty?!? ;0)


The calendar is a Stamping Up Days to Remember calendar, but I cut it in half. I wanted it to leave a smaller desk footprint. (She's a busy lady with lots of schtuff on her desk.) When I halved it, I thought I was pretty clever--until I realized that this meant I had to put the other 6 months onto that spiral thingy. It is doable though, just takes a bit of patience.

I kept the months very simple. I just cut a piece of Snow fall Pear (BasicGrey Dasher DSH-637) to 12 x 8.5 inches and then made a word document and printed it out. I had to select (and print selection) to get the last two months properly spaced on the d.p. (and also turn the d.p. upside down to run it through the printer again) but it was worth it. I just can't stamp that evenly! I used dark blue Lucidia Handwriting font (28) with 8 point lines between. (Tabed over the the right and centered.) Then, I stamped the hummingbird on there in Not Quite Navy Craft ink & embossed it. (Esther loves hummingbirds.) This hummingbird is from the retired Drawing on Nature set. I bought it with her in mind eons ago.

MORE DETAILS: The pen-holder tin is a Victorian Epicure Selections tea tin. The tape dispenser is super easy to do: just pop it apart & trace the original card insert onto d.p. Then cut out & insert. The book is a lined journal (easily covered with double-sided tape and designer paper.) Here's the detail inside (I added the ribbon by punching circles of d.p. with lots of double-sided tape (and the ribbon) between the book and the circles:


I still want to add the days onto the blank calendar with a stamp'n'write marker, but I'm waiting 'til I have better handwriting (I have shaky caffeine hands now!) ;0) Just thought I'd get in one last post before we go away for our holidays.

Wishing you all love, light, and laughter for the Holidays and the New Year,
:0) Mel

Easy Bookmark Folder--how to

I turned the idea of a page with book marks stuck onto it into a giant birthday card folder. (This is 9x9 inches.) I started with a piece of Tim Holtz card stock (Distressables line-Library 0736 by Ranger.) I didn't even alter it, since it has so much interest as is. I just made a tag (inspired by Princess Matilda's stunning homemade tags. I used Naturals Ivory cardstock for the tag & embossed Happy Birthday on it, distressed it, and added a Wire accent. The ribbon is River Rock double stitched (just dyed with Chocolate Chip reinker.)


Then I made the inside from a piece of 12x12 Naturals Ivory. I wanted enough of a pocket to hold the books, but not too much to cover them, so I left the one side 12 inches. This gives you a pocket of 3 inches. I also needed a tab to attach the Tim Holtz card stock, so I cut two inches of the other side. (You want a 12 x 10 paper.) I scored the 10 inch side 1" in and then folded it. I scored the 12 inch side 3 inches in and folded it. Then, I cut the little rectangle formed by folding. See this (not to scale) template for details:


Taping the pocket to the main card with double-sided tape, and putting a brad in the middle forms the pocket. Then I just had to attach the piece of decorative cardstock and finally tuck the "books" in. I also plan on tucking a love letter behind them. :0) (Sappy ol' me!)

Thanks for looking. Enjoy your crafting!
Mel

P.S. Click here for a tutorial on how to make the bookmarks. :0)

Book spine Bookmarks--how to

I eat books whole (translation I read sometimes 2-3 books a week or more) so I need a lot of bookmarks. No more using Kleenex to mark pages for me! (Clean Kleenex though--I swear to you.) Thankfully I have friends who read a lot too, because these make affordable little gifts. This set is made for my significant other. :0)

I got the idea for these from some great links found thanks to the tireless efforts of Alison on her blog Stampin' When I Can:

Coleen's corner bookmarks
Deanne's Bookmarks



SUPPLIES:

Digital Camera
Card stock (I use Naturals white for two reasons: I like the weight it is thicker than whisper white, & the subtle speckles are great for vintage projects.)
Computer & Printer
Background stamp with text (or flourishes, or....) I used Friend by Definition
Versamark ink pad
Embossing Powder (clear)
Heat gun
Eyelets
Wire
Wire cutters (with needle-nose pliers)
Beads (I used clear silver, & silver metallic seed beads.)


HOW TO:

Step 1: Take photos of some books. I chose these books to shoot, because they are: A) my most antiquey looking volumes, B) varied in colour, C) matte finish with some metallic details, so they photograph well, and D) titled aptly.


Step 2: Alter your photo to taste & set print settings. The photo above is the original picture.


Step 2 (cont'd): This second photo above is the one I altered in Microsoft office picture manager. It is rotated & the contrast is heightened. When you print your photo be sure that you print it landscape setting (in page setup) and that you print the full page. (If you are using Microsoft office picture manager be sure to uncheck that box that says fit to frame---or it will cut of some of your image.)


Step 3: Print your photo, and trim around each book. If you want to distress the bottom as I have, (leaves a realistic aged texture for images of well-loved books) just be sure to leave a little extra paper around the image.


Step 4: After you've trimmed & distressed your spines, stamp them with a background stamp that's covered in Versamark. I've used a text background (Friendship by Definition.) Emboss with clear e.p. This leaves an interesting texture but also gives visual interest and physical weight to the bookmark.

Step 5: Put eyelets into the tops of your bookmarks (prevents the wire from tearing through the paper--and looks perty) :0) Then cut a piece of wire (I used 3-4 inch lengths for these.) Loop the wire through the eyelet, twist it together, slide on beads. Crimp & twist wire (finishing the end, so it's not left sharp.) Shape the beaded wire (being careful not to overwork it--or it will snap) and there you have a BOOK bookmark. Here are those wiring directions pictorially (click the pic to read it):


And here's the finished project:



I plan on mounting them (with repositionable adhesive) on a piece of cardstock so that they retain their bookshelfy appearance.

Thanks so much for looking. Happy crafting,
:0) Mel

ETA: P.S. The navy blue one on the far right is actually two cut out so they're together on one piece of paper as a double book bookmark, kinda fun.

ETA: Bookmark Folder here

Housewarmin' :0)

Friends of ours bought their first house near us. We're so excited that they'll be nearby! I made this little token for them. Love that Right at Home set. It was the first time I had an occasion to use it. The soap is covered with a strip of Baby Paisley paper by Bohemia. I just backed it with a piece of aliminum tape so the paper would resist the oils. Then tied it with Martha ribbon (piped-nylon 3/8" Cloud.) For directions on how to make the soap please see this tutorial.

Card details" Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, Chocolate Chip, and Not Quite Navy c.s. I embossed the houses with Chocolate Chip craft & clear e.p. then water-coloured with Chocolate Chip & Not Quite Navy craft ink.

Thanks for taking time out of your day,
:0) Mel

Embroidering Stamped Images

I've been wanting to do some embroidery on cards ever since Caardvarks had their Hand Stitch challenge. Sew, here's my belated take on it [ sorry so punny ;-p ]:


You can add a quick detail [like the corner stitches above (pink knots) or like the two smaller blooms which took just a few seconds to do] OR you can stitch along the outside of an image (takes longer but has more pow.) If anyone would like a tutorial let me know; I'll make one after the holidays. [If you have questions before then, just email me (mmmccart@sfu.ca) I'm happy to share my limited sewing know-how.]


Embroidery thread knots make speedy 3d accents on cards; this tent topper tag (below) is one example (the knot is at the top in the middle of the flower):


You can also stamp & embroider on fabric, of course. Check out Crafty Daisies tut here and for making kid's art (or yours) into embroidery check out this stunning project.

Happy Craftin' You Crafty Crafters You,
:0) Mel

P.S. Anyone else feel like a maniacal kitten when faced with a skein of embroidery thread? How do you get some of it out of the skein without ending up tangled in it up to your neck?!

Cheap Tricks: faux build-a-brad

I'm making some cards as Christmas gifts. The inside of this card reads "One of the reasons I love You so much is that You bloom where You're planted!"

Those of you who have read a post or two might know that I'm cheap, LOL. I'm a hobby Stampin' Up demo--but I'm also a student with a minuscule budget--so I'm the first to admit that scrap/stamp supplies can be too pricey. I've wanted to try the build-a-brads, but the old budget has always reared it's ugly mug.

So, I was sharpening my circle punch (with tinfoil) and being über cheap I thought "How can I use these circles of tinfoil?" Hence, the faux build-a-brad was born. '


SUPPLIES:

tinfoil
3/4" punch
5/8" punch (I got one for just $4.25 here.)
double-sided tape
bubble sticker (I got mine on ebay they're from JoAnn Scrap Essentials)
designer paper, cardstock, or stamped paper.
crystal effects
paper piercer (optional)

ALL YOU DO IS:

1. Fold a scrap of tinfoil in half.
2. Punch it 2 or 3 times with your 3/4" punch
3. Layer the tinfoil circles on top of each other. Adhere layers to each other with double-sided tape. (You can stick them onto a piece of cardboard if that's easier and peel it off later.)
4. Punch a 5/8" circle of designer paper and stick it in the center of the tinfoil. 5. Adhere the bubble sticker on top of the paper.
6. Put a tiny bit of Crystal Effects around the edge of the sticker (in a circle.) Let the Crystal Effects dry for a couple of seconds & then just fold the edges of the tinfoil up around the bubble sticker. (You can use your fingernail or the point of your paper piercer to make little ridges in the tinfoil.)

Et Voila! You now have a faux build-a-brad (and a sharper circle punch!) :0)


CARD DETAILS:

The stamps I used are Friend by Definition Background stamped in Not Quite Navy (on soft Sky for the main card and cut apart for stem & leaves.) The flower uses Baroque motifs embossed with Not Quite Navy craft ink, Silver Encore & clear embossing powder. There's a layer of Mellow Moss c.s. The bloom sentiment is from Petals plus by Stampendous and it is stamped in white craft ink on Chocolate Chip c.s. The designer paper is called Baby Paisley (by Bohemia.) The ribbon is Martha Stewart (piped-nylon 3/8" Cloud)

Thanks for checkin' this out,
Mel

Keeping the Flame Alive: romantic gift idea (WARNING: High SAPPY factor)

These are obviously not new candles; I thought I'd share them, though, in case anyone is searching for a gift idea. I made them for my sweetheart. They were inspired by our shared love of poetry. [We met publishing a creative writing journal that he founded at University--sighhhhhhh....] I know: Gack! And it gets better (or worse) LOL. He wrote me some heart-thumpin' poetry, and before we lived together, we passed an anthology of love poetry back and forth (underlining and writing notes to each other in it.) TMI huh?

Anywho, for our first Christmas together I stamped lines from a poem he wrote me and two from that anthology and put them on these candles. Maybe not a "manly" gift, but hey--the guy writes love poems (and I say Blechkt! to gender stereotyping!) ;0)

The process is really easy:

1. Stamp the lines on tissue paper (I used a retired Stampin Up set, but rough edges or any small alphabet set would do. I stamped in Stazon on white tissue. )

2. Place the tissue on the candle & wrap a piece of wax paper around the candle.

3. While holding it tightly heat the candle with your heat gun. (You can do touch ups with a lighter (carefully, of course.)

Here's a much better tutorial on the process.

A fresh take on this project (at least one I've never seen) would be to print out pictures on tissue (family photos or images from the net) for instance illustrations from a loved one's favourite artist or sentimental childhood book.

Thanks for listening to my drippy love story. :0) Happy gift making,
Mel

P.S. If you'd like to find your own silver-plated tray for candles check out Value Village, The Salvation Army or other thrift stores. They have them often.

ETA: Here's a thorough video tutorial by Sue that I found thanks to Alison (of "Stampin When I Can" fame.)

Soaps with Stamps: a simple but fun gift idea

If your looking for a very affordable & simple gift idea soap-making is a fun project to do. It's suitable as a gift to all ages, and Kids can make it too (with a little help for younger ones.) The materials are easily found and affordable.

SUPPLIES

MOLDS: The mold I used for this project (stamped soaps) was 2.99 at Michael's. I've had the sun and moon mold for years and the big green ovalish bar (with the raised edge) is actually made in a ziplock disposable plastic storage container. (You can't get more affordable than free. You can rummage in your kitchen cupboards and see what you find.


If you want an amazing selection of molds, consider Voyager Soap & Candle Co. Their molds are so artistic and also affordable; they have all the essential oils and high quality melt & pour. (I've been drooling over their open-hand mold and goat's milk melt & pour, but had to make do since I didn't order and I'm out of time...) I think the mold is made by Milky way. Here's another source that shows a selection of them.

SOAP: The melt & pour is around 10.00 (depending on the type you use.) I've used a mix of
Glycerin-based transparent and Creamy coconut oil melt and pour. They have easy directions on the package, but you just prepare your images (USE STAZON INK to avoid bleeding), and you do three WAY simple things:

1. Chop soap into squares put in bowl to melt in microwave. (Mine took under a minute.)
2. Add stuff to the melted soap (essential oils should be added last so they don't evaporate as much.) To add images just stamp on white tissue paper, then pour a little clear melted soap, let cool, add image (in STAZON ink) & pour the rest.
3. Pour and let set (in fridge if you're in a hurry like me) and release (by sitting in a hot sink full of water for a second or two.)

ADDITIONS: I love to add natural ingredients only. I use freshly ground cloves, coffee, fresh or dried herbs, and essential oils. These are scented with Opium, Nagchampa, and Rose oils.


This soap above is done by adding chopped (never melted) opaque soap to the transparent pour.It has tissue paper with the mushroom stamp I carved from lino in it. You can also float designer paper or you could draw something on tissue in permanent marker (or print photos or images from your computer on tissue paper--see how here.) [Though I'm not sure if it would bleed. If I had any more clear soap I'd try it and let you know... ;0).]

The soap below has a carved outrigger image stamped and set in it:


So many thanks go out to Sara who first inspired me to try soap with stamping. Her awesome tutorial is here. She has so many great pointers. I must admit that when I made mine I cheated and just floated a piece of tissue paper (stamped with STAZON ink) in clear melt & pour. I just poured a little of the glycerin soap, laid down the tissue (checking for bubbles) then poured more melt & pour. It was so easy!

Well, I'm off to find something box-like to alter, so I can put them in it & make them look fancier. ;0) Just wanted to post this idea a.s.a.p., so you could potentially use it as a gift idea.

Thanks for reading. Happy gifting,
Mel

P.S. A whole slew of wicked sweet soap ideas can be found here at marthastewart.com.

ETA: I find regular inks bleed. I've done some editing & added the pointer to use Stazon ink instead of classic ink. Hope everyone's soap-making works out! :0) Mel

Altered Card (photo) Box

Another family member kicked offa the blog! I'm just starting now to get the full rush of the excitement of Christmas. Well, I start late, don't I? Well, I needed some vacation time to start on my projects and with C and I being students money is so tight that I worry...blah, blah...(I'm blessed with a family who is not materialistic and is sweetly appreciative.) Like the person this is for: Marvellllous Margie!


This project has been particularly fun and I thought it might be a good one for all you cardmakers. These photo boxes are the perfect size for standard cards (4 and 2/8s inches x 5 1/2inches.) My aunt Margie loves to travel (and takes gorgeous pictures) so I thought once she uses these cards, she could still have the box for pictures.


I used Petals Plus to stamp the blooms and French Script for the details. The white strip in the box cover (with the blanket stitch of black embroidery thread down the side) and the pieces for the leaves was the most serendipitous find. I took apart a book that was falling apart to make this sketch book sandwich, and it was handwriting on the inside of the spine. (Practically killed me to glue it to the sketch book, but I photocopied it several times to use it in other projects.) It's sepia but I copied it in black & white for this.


The flowers on the cards are painted with black craft ink. I forgot how luxurious it is to paint with a high quality brush. (I'm ashamed to say that I have a deluxe easel & many brushes sitting neglected in my "studio.") However, not anymore...I'm using the brushes because they're tools not jewels. My very favourite brush is something you may want to put on your wish list: it's a number 4 round by Windsor and Newton. They go on sale quite often.


Funnily enough, this little detail (above) is my favourite part of the project. The bottom of the box said made in China. I sanded it off when I was distressing the finish (wrecked my metal nail file, 'cause I couldn't find my sandpaper. Yes, I am a freak.) I like the palimpsest quality...how it still shows the made in China, but overwrites that. Nothing wrong with China per se of course...I just wish I had the means to buy local artist's work all the time. One day... :0)

Thanks so much for reading; hope you have a great day,
Mel

P.S. Sorry for the crummy pix. I'm planning out a lighting agenda for picture taking after the holidays--All my lamps keep fitzing out on me (Don't buy Ikea lamps; trust me!)
P.P.S. For more on the ingredients please see this scs post.