Unfortunately....

Since I now have to "steal" my hubby's computer when he's home, I will not be able to respond to every comment that is left like I usually do.  By checking my e-mail so much less while my computer is not working, my e-mail gets really full and I can't get through it as quickly.  Just know that I appreciate EACH AND EVERY comment that you leave.  I will get back to personal replies as soon as my laptop is repaired (crossing my fingers it even can be!!!).  Take care!!

Tangerine Blooms Take II....

 

Actually, this isn't really the 2nd card I made with this LO - inspired by  Beate's WSC #62 which you can see HERE.  The card I posted HERE is actually the one I made AFTER I made this one, but I'm showing you this one second.  I think I posted the other one first because I like it a little better than this one.  What do you think?  Do you like this one or the previous one I posted better?

Stamps:  Eastern Blooms, Thank You Kindly
Paper:  Tangerine Tango and Whisper White CS, Haiku DSP
Ink:  Tangerine Tango classic ink
Accessories:  Tangerine Tango Striped 5/8" Grosgrain ribbon

OH NO!!!!

So, we ended up getting "liquid" stitches for my baby today and my laptop got soup dropped on it.  Don't ask....  So - I have a post scheduled to go tomorrow and I've already got Saturday's Combat Boot Challenge scheduled, but other than that I can't promise anything since I'm using my husband's laptop to type this.  So...please bear with me.  I am just so thankful that for the ONLY time in my whole life that I purchased insurance on a product I bought (tv, cell phone, computer) I did it THIS time, with THIS laptop, so no matter what happens, it's covered.  I just hope I don't lose everything.  Losing all of the pictures of my kids would be devastating.  So...as  said, please bear with me.  I will do my best to post if I can.  Thanks!!!

Lesson learned....don't wait until something bad happens to back up your files!!!!  That applies to a lot of things in life!

Sack Lunches

This was sent to me via e-mail today by Gina W.  Thank you Gina!!  I liked it so much I thought I would post it here.....Sorry about the little arrows from the e-mail!  :)

The Sack Lunches
>
>  I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down
> in my assigned seat.  It was going to be a long flight.
> 'I'm glad I have a good book to read.  Perhaps I will get a short nap,' I
> thought.
>
>  Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the
> aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me.  I
> decided to start a  conversation.  'Where are you headed?' I
> asked the soldier seated nearest to me.  ' Chicago - to Great Lakes Base.
>  We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then
> we're being deployed to Iraq . '
>
>  After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made
> that sack lunches were available for five dollars.  It would be
> several hours before we reached Chicago , and I quickly decided a lunch
> would help pass the time.  As I reached for my wallet, I overheard a
> soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch.  'No, that seems
> like a lot of money for just a sack lunch.  Probably wouldn't be
> worth five bucks.  I'll wait till we get to  Chicago .' His friend
> agreed.
>
>  I looked around at the other soldiers.  None were buying
> lunch.  I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight
> attendant a fifty dollar bill.  'Take a lunch to all those
> soldiers.'  She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she
> thanked me.
>  'My son was a soldier in Iraq ; it's almost like
> you are doing it for him.'
>
>  Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the
> soldiers were seated.  She stopped at my seat and asked, 'Which
> do you like best - beef or chicken?' 'Chicken,' I replied,
> wondering why she asked.  She turned and went to the front of the plane,
> returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class.
> 'This is your thanks.'
>
>  After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the
> plane, heading for the rest room.  A man stopped me.  'I saw
> what you did.  I want to be part of it.  Here, take this.'  He handed me
> twenty-five dollars.
>
> Soon  after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain
> coming down the  aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked.
> I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the
> numbers only on my side of the plane.  When he got to my row he stopped,
> smiled, held out his hand, and said, 'I want to shake your
> hand.'  Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's
> hand.  With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a
> military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch.  It was an act of kindness
> I never forgot.'  I was embarrassed when applause was heard
> from all of the passengers.
>
>  Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could
> stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached
> out his hand,  wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five
> dollars in my palm.
>
>  When we landed in Chicago I gathered my belongings and
> started to deplane.  Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man
> who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked
> away without saying a word.  Another twenty-five dollars!
>
>  Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering
> for their trip to the base.  I walked over to them and handed them
> seventy-five dollars.  'It will take you some time to reach the
> base. It will be about time for a sandwich.  God Bless You! Ten young men
> left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow
> travelers.  As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their
> safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country.  I
> could only give them a couple of meals. It seemed so little...
>
>
>  A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life wrote a
> blank check made payable to 'The United States of America' for an amount of 'up to and including my life.' That is Honor, and
> there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand
> it.'

Gotta Love Eastern Blooms!

 

This is another card inspired by one of Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenges.  I don't usually get to play the actual week that she posts them, but I love using them when I do get a chance.  You can see WSC #47 HERE. 

Anyway, I distressed the edges of the Whisper White CS that I had stamped "Thanks" on after I punched it using my Wide Oval Punch.

I stamped the flowers in Tangerine Tango ink and removed the TT ink where I didn't want it with my blender pen so that I could re-color them back in with Olive, Saffron and Mustard.  I was doing this to show how you don't have to have a re-inker to use the In Colors to selectively color an image.  The easier method WOULD be to use a Blender Pen and re-inker to color a few of the flowers Tangerine Tango. 

So Saffron is not usually my "go to" color for a card base, but I was using colors found in the Haiku DSP and kind of went with it. 

Hope you like it!!

Stamps:  Eastern Blooms, Thank You Kindly
Paper:  So Saffron, Old Olive and Whisper White CS, Haiku DSP
Ink:  Tangerine Tango and Old Olive classic ink, Old Olive, So Saffron and More Mustard markers
Accessories:  Blender pen (to remove Tangerine Tango ink from the image), Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon

CBC01 Wrap-Up

So, I sure hope that everyone who wanted to play got to join us in my very first Combat Boot Challenge (CBC01)!!!! For me, the picture had so many possibilities.  I saw so many interesting textures, colors, shapes and patterns.  Did you? 

Above is my card for this challenge.  As you can see - I went with the colors for the most part.  It is made using a technique similar to the other cards (HERE and HERE) I have made with Crystal Effects and Dazzling Diamonds coating my heart form the Always stamp set.  This time I used this handy dandy Crackle Accents from AC More that goes on like Crystal Effects but crackles when it dries.  INSTANT cracked glass!!!  So, basically I cheated!!  The liquid is in a bottle like Crystal Effects and as it dries it cracks on it's own.  I think that depending on how thick you apply it, it cracks differently.  Anyone know?  Anyway, I HAD stamped the heart with my Canvas BG stamp and then sponged it in lightly, but just a warning - the Crackle Accents muddied up the SU! Kiwi Kiss classic ink and you can't see the Canvas BG anymore.  You should be able to click on the pic to see it even larger. 

As for the other elements of the card, don't look too closely at the Kiwi Kiss layer behind my Large Oval punched sentiment (the sentiment comes from Best Yet, the hostess level I stamp set).  I had to hand-cut it to matte it and I had to stop  myself from trimming it anymore to get it any more "perfect" because I was getting too close to the Whisper White layer and then it wouldn't have been a matte at all!!!  It's NOT perfect, but it will do.  That grosgrain behind the oval hangs off the edge of my card thanks to THIS card by Kristina.  :) 

The faux tearing was done by putting a piece of paper over my card to mask the area I wanted to keep white, and the edge of the paper I used as a mask had been torn. I first stamped my Canvas BG stamp in Kiwi Kiss and then added some sponging to it also with Kiwi Kiss. 

As for the matting behind the heart - well, I kind of went a little nuts, but hopefully it looks okay.  Basically I was inspired as many of you were by the "pops" of black in the picture and the overall white in the image along with those Kiwi Kiss pillows. 

I don't know if you can see it, but I scored on the base Whisper White CS of the heart image - because I liked the pleating on the couch.  I don't have a Scor-Pal, so don't look to closely at that either! ;) 

I hope you all had fun playing, and now it's time for the spotlight on one of you, followed by the list of links to the projects of those of you who played along.

The Random.husband picked a number and he chose number 1 - which was Tiffany's card.  I have posted it below.  Isn't that paper GORGEOUS?!?!  I love her interpretation of the photo.  Stop by Tiffany's blog and let her know how much you like it (go to her name in the list of links below).   

 

Each of you really did a great job and I'm so happy to have you play along.  This week four of you lovely ladies decided to join us.  Here is the list of links:

Tiffany

Cori -  you will have to scroll down to her post dated Sunday, October 26th.  It won't allow a link to a single post on her blog.

Patricia

Lynda

Kelly

So...tell your friends to come join us next week.  The more, the merrier (and more inspiration!!!)!!  I hope you have a great day!

Is this you????

Lynda K. sent this to me and it is too cute!!!!  Sorry about the formatting - there was a cute pic with the e-mail that wouldn't transfer into my post but the text is still aligned for the picture.  It was a picture of stamping items.

From Eclectic Paperie Newsletter!

 

THE STAMPER by Jackie Saxby 1999

I started out with just one stamp
and when I bought some more
I decided that a shoe box
Would make an ideal store.

Then as I added inks and pens,
My stamp collection grew
So I bought a roomy plastic crate
It would last for years, I knew.

Embossing then became my thing
With powders and a heat gun,
Metallics, tinsels, pearls and clear,     
I soon had every one.

By now my lovely plastic crate
Was spilling everywhere
And my glitter glue collection
Lay scattered on a chair.

My husband started muttering
And said things had to stop,
So I bought a huge old wardrobe
At the local charity shop.

<!--
D(["mb","But after a \nwhile,\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-style:italic\"\u003eI couldn\u0026#39;t shut the \ndoor\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-style:italic\"\u003eAnd I put shelves in the spare \nroom    \u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-style:italic\"\u003eTo accomodate \nyet more.\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-style:italic\"\u003eOur house is now for \nsale,\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-style:italic\"\u003eSomething larger being \nsought,\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-style:italic\"\u003eBy the way, did I show \nyou\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-style:italic\"\u003eThe latest stamp I \nbought......\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cfont face\u003d\"Georgia Ref\" color\u003d\"#008080\" size\u003d\"2\"\u003eLynda\u003c/font\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n",0]
);
//-->
But after a while,
I couldn't shut the door
And I put shelves in the spare room   
To accommodate yet more.

Our house is now for sale,
Something larger being sought,
By the way, did I show you
The latest stamp I bought......

 

Tangerine Blooms

So, I was using Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge #62 for inspiration, which you can see HERE, and I sort of stuck to her sketch but I kind of eliminated one of the main elements - that semi-circle on the bottom right of the card.  I liked the tall skinny card-size so I stuck with that, but what you see above is what I ended up with after playing around for a little while.  Hope you like it!!

PS - Don't forget to try out my very first Combat Boot Challenge (CBC01)!!!!  You can see it HERE and on Tuesday one of you will be featured on my post with the links to the projects each of you submitted.

Stamps:  Eastern Blooms, Thank You Kindly
Paper:  So Saffron and Whisper White CS, Haiku Designer Series Paper
Ink:  Tangerine Tango
Accessories:  Tangerine Tango Striped 5/8" ribbon

CBC01

So, welcome to the very first Combat Boot Challenge!!!!!  It won't be physical at all - inspite of the name, so don't worry!  ;)  Mostly it will be of the "inspiration" challenge variety.  Several of you were actually interested in participating in a challenge if I posted it here and I KNOW I AM!!!! :) 

So, what I will do is each Saturday I will post a photo of something that I felt inspired by, and then you will have through Monday evening to comment with a link to your own creation.  Add your comments with the links to your picture on the Saturday posts.  On Tuesday morning (usually between 6-7 am Eastern Standard Time) I will then post my own creation along with a list of links to all of yours!!!  Then everyone can go check out some (maybe) new blogs to see all of your lovely work!!  That means for your link to appear in the initial post, I would need to have it by 8:00 pm on Monday evening.  I will gladly edit the post later to add any of you that couldn't get it in on time - I don't mind doing that - but to get on there right away I'll need them by 8:00 pm the Monday following the posting of the challenge.  PLUS - from those that are entered on time, I will use Random.Org to draw a random entry and I will "feature" that one on my blog along with my own creation.  Got it?!?! 

I'm excited to get to know each of you better through your participation in my challenges, and hope that you enjoy them!  So, without further ado...here's the very first CBC!  If by some "strange" chance you want to upload your card to SCS, remember to use the keyword CBC### (insert appropriate number) with no spaces, so that we can find them all in one place over there in the wonderful cyber-world of SCS!  :)

CBC01
 
Of course, like many of you, I love browsing through the Pottery Barn collections.  I don't usually PURCHASE from them - my bank account doesn't agree with my love of PB stuff - but I do enjoy looking.  That's where this photo came from.  How about those colors, the textures, the patterns, that rug....so many possibilities!!!!!  I can't wait to see what you create!!!! :)

An Oldie but a Goodie....

You haven't seen this card before, sort of.  I made THIS version of it and LOVED it so much that I had to make it as my WOW swap for Convention this past summer (and I gave the original in the link above to my mom 'cause I knew she wouldn't THROW IT AWAY!!!! he he he).  I gave away every one of my swap cards that I made before I thought to take a picture of it, so several of my friends were nice enough to take pics of it for me - one even burned me a CD with all sorts of pics on it in addition to my swap card!!!! 

I wish that I had had enough Jumbo Eyelets to do two on each side instead of one - 4 on each card - but I think I made 36 of the cards, and multiply that by 4 and I just didn't have the time or energy to do it.  I was moving from Oklahoma to Delaware the week before Convention and most of my stamping stuff was in storage from February through the end of July when we moved here to Delaware, so as many of you might remember, I was a little limited in what I could do.  Convention was a blast though and you have seen some of the WOW swaps that I got and they were all awesome, so it was worth it!!!

Thanks go out to Brooke, my uber-talented stamping friend, for the shots I used here on my blog.  You can check out her AWESOME blog HERE.

Stamps: Always
Paper: Real Red, Chocolate Chip and Whisper White CS, Pumpkin Pie Textured CS
Ink: Real Red, Pumkin Pie and Chocolate Chip classic inks
Accessories:  Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Crop-a-Dile, Antique Brass Jumbo Eyelets, Chocolate Chip Taffeta Ribbon, stampin' sponges (to shade heart), dimensionals

Please tell me....

THIS POST WILL REMAIN AT THE TOP FOR A DAY OR TWO, BUT CHECK BELOW FOR NEWER POSTS.

So, I know a lot of those of you who read my blog have a blog or at least a gallery somewhere (Flickr, PhotoBucket, SCS, etc.).  Would you be interested in playing along with me in an inspiration challenge?   I thought if once a week (or so) I posted a challenge and you wanted to play you could then leave a comment on the challenge post with your card/project in a link to it on your blog or in your gallery.  I would then post all the links left behind by those who participated on my blog for everyone to go check out. 

I would love to start doing this if you guys are interested, but I don't want to post a challenge that no one will play in.  Just let me know - I know it would motivate me to do some stamping.  I think my mojo has gone on vacation - I wish I were with it!!!  So, since I have no idea how to do a poll on TypePad like I used to do on Blogger, can you leave a comment if you're interested?  Just tell me you're interested!!!!  Take care!!!

Crazy, crazy....

That is how I would describe my life and my household of late.  I am STILL sick - but at least it's just in my head - literally!!! he he he  I don't actually feel too bad, just not good/normal.  My ears are still clogged and I still have some sinus issues.  Anyway, I haven't had time to photograph and edit said photographs any of my recent cards, so for today I'll just refer you to a stinkin' ADORABLE card I saw on Heather's blog HERE.  Check it out and tell her you love it!!! Sorry to be so boring, but I thought I would give you something to look at at least, even if it wasn't my own!  Have a great day!!!

Mr. Twigster Stamp-a-Stack Card

This is one of the cards that the ladies attending my Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack will make.  I hope they like it.  It's not "traditional" Christmas colors, but I really like it.  I was inspired by a card in the October Stampin' Success (magazine available for free to Stampin' Up! demonstrators).  It was a smaller, square card on page 27 and I used the frame idea with the tree stamp from Mr. Twigster (item #111772) and then figured out which papers I wanted to use and built the card around that.  The papers are from the Frosty Day Designer Series Paper (item #113057) pack and both the DSP and Mr. Twigster can be found in the Holiday Mini Catalog (only available through January 18th).  You can buy them both on my SU! website HERE.

Stamps: Mr. Twigster, Snow Swirled (sentiment)
Paper:  Kiwi Kiss Textured CS, Whisper White CS, Frosty Day DSP
Ink:  Black StazOn, Chocolate Chip classic ink, Chocolate Chip craft ink
Accessories:  Stampin' Pastels, Blender Pen, Chipboard Frame from On Board Chipboard "Something Seasonal", stampin' sponges, Tangerine Tango Striped 5/8" grosgrain ribbon

RAK from Kristine

As many of you know I've been a little under the weather and sweet Kristine who just celebrated her Blogoversary on the same day as me, sent thisadorable RAK and some stamped images to enjoy.

I just love all of the details.  The little flowers on the front with the glitter centers, the picnic blanket, the little bird flying in the pretty hand-sponged clouds.  Isn't it just such a cute card?!?!?

Thanks so much Kristine!!!  Receiving such fun mail really brightened my day.  I appreciate it so much!

And the winner is.....

I am excited to announce my Blogoversary Boot Loot contest winner!!!!!

First, I thought I would tell you how the winner was picked.  Kristine and I decided to have the person who posted the OLDEST post be the winner. We hadn't thought as far as a tie, but we would have come up with a tie-breaker of some sort if we had needed to.  We thought in a round-about way that since we were having the contests for how long we've been blogging, it would be fun to honor someone who picked the oldest post and perhaps might have even been a reader for the past two years.  Of course, everyone was told to "peruse" our blogs for their favorite posts, so it could have been anyone that won - it just might have taken some digging!  ;)

Without further ado, the winner on my blog is.........

NAOMI VESTEL!!!!  Here is her post:

So this is ancient, but it reminds me of when our girls played together and it is so innocent. Oct 21, 2006 http://bootstostamps.typepad.com/from_combat_boots_to_rubb/2006/10/the-cutest-girl.html

Congratulations Naomi - I will get the Loot out in the mail to you tomorrow!!!  Congrats to Kristine's winner too!!!  You can see who won her Blog Candy by going HERE to her blog.

To all of my readers and all of those that played - having you check in each day and leave such sweet and uplifting comments that give me such great feedback about my creations really brightens my day and brings a smile to my face.  I appreciate each and every one of you.  I wouldn't be blogging if I didn't care about what you think.  Thanks for being such a great group!  Because you're so great I'm really going to get back to giving you a little something as a token of my appreciation at every 25K milestone that my blog hits in visitors.  So, keep your eyes peeled for the next Boot Loot that will occur at 100K!!!!!

I don't drink tea, but....

if I did and I had to translate it into a scrapbook kit, this would be it!!!  Isn't this Green Tea and Ginger November kit over at Go. Be Creative. BEAUTIFUL!!??!?!?!

Here are some close-ups of some of the items:



Here is the list of what you get in this amazing kit:
Featuring Dream Street Papers: Mairzy Doats
Two each of Child's Play, Jumbled & Jivy, Just Jazzy, Lamzy Divey, Novelty, and Snappy Stripe

Basic Grey Delilah Milk Chocolate Chip Stickers
Creative Imaginations Lucky Chocolate Felt Flower Border, Lucky Chocolate Buttons, Chocolate Velvet Brads, Lucky Dark Red Buttons, Lucky Dark Red Chipboard, and Large Dark Red Tags
Clear CD Case
Acco 2-prong paper fasteners
Maya Road Wire Flower Clips
Two Maya RoadBirds Chipboard Keychains

If you would like to see this kit on the GBC site, go HERE.  If you would like to order the Green Tea and Ginger kit and/or any future kits, go HERE.  If you want to buy a past kit, you can see them and check their availability HERE and you can order them (there usually aren't very many left-over) by e-mailing Lainey at lainey@go-be-creative.com .  If you want to order past kit add-on items or other items from the GBC store, go HERE.  If you would like to sign up for the AWESOME new GBC Newsletter filled with all kinds of pictures, ideas and tutorials, go HERE.

I can't wait until I get my hands on mine and get to start creating with it!!!  The nice thing about GBC is you can sign up to receive just one kit, or 3 months worth of kits, or 6 months, or a year, and so on. Why that's nice is that if you already have a bunch of papers from a kit, which I'm sure has happened to someone, somewhere at sometime, you can opt out of that month and it just adds a month on to the end of your sign-up term.  Great, huh????  So, Go. Sign Up.!!!!!

Tell your friends!!

Okay, so the logic is not good - it means you would have less of a chance at winning, but tell your friends to enter my Boot Loot Blogoversary contest HERE!!!!  I am loving the goodies I'm giving you - in fact, I got similar ones for myself and hope to show you some cards/projects made with them in the very near future.  I'm starting to feel better, so my fingers are crossed that on Monday during naptime I can get some stamping done!!!  Wish me luck on that and make sure you AND your friends enter the contest.  It's not an "I'll pick a random number to win" type of contest.  There is a method behind the madness this time....Kristine and I just aren't telling!  he he he ;)

Yuck!

So, I don't know if I'll get to stamp, much less feel like doing it over the next couple of days.  I had mentioned that Daniel (my 15-month old) was pretty sick, and he is STILL getting over it, but now I have it!!  I have an ear infection and some horrible sinus issues - guessing it's a sinus infection.  I've been feeling pretty crappy and running fevers for the last five days now.  At least I don't have the double pink eye that he had!!!  Yuck!

Well, my husband came home a whole day early from the desert (he's a pilot in the Air Force and was gone on a week-long trip to do some "stuff" over there) - he got back last night!!!  It wasn't for me, but I'm so glad they got to come back early!  I plan on finally getting some rest.  He took some days off just to let me try to do that since it's hard to get any with three little kids and 1 of them as sick as Daniel has been and no husband around the whole week that everything has been going nuts. 

I don't think that I will have any cards for you to see. I was lucky to stamp the 2 or so that I did last week and to get so many pictures taken of my awesome Boot Loot.  Have you seen it!!?!??!?  I'll let you in on my little secret.  I get to stamp very rarely, so I stamp a bunch, take pictures, and then schedule the posts in advance so that they cover a longer period of time and then when I don't get to stamp, you still get to see something.  Well, my reserve has run out now so I have nothing new to show you.  Sorry!

Make sure to enter my Boot Loot contest here if you haven't already.  Also, please check out my stamps and other items for sale here.  Maybe there's a retired set you've been looking for?  it might be on my list!!!

Take care, and have a great weekend if I don't post before the 20th to announce the Boot Loot winner!!!!

Featured Stamper Challenge

Over at SCS this past Sunday they named this week's featured stamper.  It is Anne Ryan who is such a sweet person, and I was so happy to CASE one of her lovely creations.  Check out the  FS88 challenge thread HERE.  You can check out her SCS gallery of cards HERE.  You can see the card I chose to CASE HERE.

What are the rules to a Featured Stamper Challenge?  They are (cut and pasted):

1. Change 2 or more things on the card. It could be a color combo, embellishments, backgrounds, or even the main image could be different but similar because you don't own the exact image. List the changes in your description.

2. Give credit to the original stamper. Put a link to the original card in your description.

3. Fan Club members may upload today (Sunday). Non-Fan Club members are encouraged to play....please wait until Monday to upload your creations. Thanks!

4. Please note the following regarding Sketch Challenge cards: If you are keeping the same layout but changing most everything else on the featured stamper's card, make sure it isn't a sketch challenge card (SC##). The reason is because it is essentially is a CASE of the sketch since it isn't the featured stamper's original idea. Thanks!

Basically, here's what I did to make my card:

I decided to change the colors, obviously, use a different CB folder, use a metal edged tag with the paper removed for my frame, and to use the Scallop Edge punch along the bottom edge of the front of the card. I also didn't stamp on ribbon, I stamped directly onto the inside of the card at the bottom. I inked my main snowflake stamp in VersaMark prior to inking it in Baja Breeze that way I could emboss it with Iridescent Ice ep.

Don't forget that you can always click on smaller-sized images I post to see them up-close and personal.  :)

I would love to hear what you think!!!

Stamps:  Snow Swirled, Heard from the Heart
Paper:  Baja Breeze and Whisper White CS
Ink: Baja Breeze classic ink and VersaMark
Accessories: Iridescent Ice embossing powder, Swiss Dots CB embossing folder, Scallop Edge punch, Big Shot, Silver metal edged tag, dimensionals

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!!!!!

THIS POST WILL REMAIN AT THE TOP UNTIL THE END OF THE BOOT LOOT CONTEST (OCTOBER 20TH).  PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR NEWER POSTS!!!!!!

Did you know that I have been blogging for TWO years on the 20th of October?!?!  I can't!!!!  Something else I can't believe is that fellow blogging buddy, Kristine over at Ink Something, has been blogging for 2 years on the EXACT SAME DAY!!!!

Well, maybe it's not that big of a deal, but we thought we would have some fun celebrating our Blogoversaries TOGETHER, with YOU!!!

This gorgeous Boot Loot can be YOURS and SO CAN THE BLOG CANDY THAT KRISTINE HAS POSTED ON HER BLOG!!!!!  I've posted a picture of hers below (sorry, my computer messed up the sizing but there is a MUCH prettier and clearer picture on HER BLOG).

Here are the rules: 

• Leave a comment telling me what your favorite post is on my blog (go ahead and look back through my archives if you would like).  You can either link the post to your comment, OR if you don't know how to do that, make sure to tell me the title of the post and date it was posted so that it is easier for me to find.  Please limit it to ONE answer, not several that you like.  :) 
  
• Visit Kristine's blog and do the same on hers - you DON'T have to tell me which one of hers you picked - tell her!!!
  
• Feel free to link this post on your blog so others will want to participate and get the chance at winning.

The first two things are what you HAVE to do to be considered to win. I will pick a winner and post the name at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.  Kristine will also pick a winner, and who knows, you might win BOTH!!!!!!

Below are more pics showing a close-up of most of the items and they are preceded by a list of what exactly is in the Boot Loot.

- 6 pages 12" x 12" assorted color GLITTER papers
- 1 NEW package of Making Memories "hul.la.ba.loo" Embellishment Paper - 24 sheets of 12" x 12" paper (4 sheets of 6 patterns) and 2 die-cut sheets
- 1 pkg Making Memories"hul.la.ba.loo" chipboard alpha stickers (2 sheets/110 stickers) 
- 1 pkg Making Memories"hul.la.ba.loo" pack of circle brads (90 medium brads in 6 colors)
- 1 pkg Making Memories"hul.la.ba.loo" epoxy buttons (30 total pieces)
- 1 new and unmounted DIE-CUT stamp set - Friendship Blooms (set of 5 stamps)
- 1 package of LOTS of Robin's Nest Dew Drops in the "Boot Loot" variety - my favorite assortments all in one container!!
- 2 rolls (5 yds each) Metallic ribbon - gold and silver
- 2 chipboard flowers to alter
- 1 6"x4" acrylic photo frame to alter (see my 3-D projects for ideas)
- 2 blank mini albums from CTMH ("retired" I am pretty sure) to fill and alter
- 20 4" x 4" coasters to alter
- 10 blank CD Literature files for you to alter (I've made them into books and posted here on my blog is one that I made for a friend to hold a CD.  Take this a step farther and link 3 together for an adorable mini album!!!)
- Large heart eyelets - some used, perhaps about 1/8 of the package at most
- Small flower eyelets - some used, perhaps about 1/8 of the package at most

Whew!!!  I think that's all of it.  I can't wait to see what you guys say!  Good luck in the contest!!

PS - Don't forget to BUY MY STAMPS that I have for sale, along with a couple of other things.  I'm BEGGING you - before my hubby realizes just how much I DO have!!! ;)  he he he

 

 

 

 

 

 

IC149 - Literally

Well, I didn't just use the challenge loosely for inspiration (IC149 means Inspiration Challenge 149 - over at SplitcoastStampers).  I pretty much recreated a painting on a card.  I'm guessing if you go HERE you'll be able to tell which painting I used for my inspiration ;)  You can see the challenge on SCS HERE.  I made this card on Saturday but forgot to show it to you, so here are the details now.

Here's how it went....I saw that there was some texture to the background so I used my Canvas BG stamp with Close to Cocoa ink and stamped it off a couple of times before putting it on my Very Vanilla card.  I wheeled my Rough Texture Jumbo Wheel in some Basic Black and wheeled it on the card.  I added my sentiment from Short & Sweet, some black brads using my piercing template as a guide, watercolored my heart on some watercolor paper with my handy dandy Aqua Painter (they're on sale right now while supplies last at Stampin' Up! - check it out HERE and purchase one HERE) and my Ruby Red and Tangerine Tango re-inkers, cut out my heart, and put it on the card with some dimensionals, and PRESTO! 

In lieu of a recipe, you just got that lovely narrative :) 

What do you think of the card????

Boot Loot Winner!!!

Well, in case anyone is interested, Upsy Daisy was BY FAR the stamp set mentioned most as being your favorite.  I think Crazy for Cupcakes probably came in 2nd.  But, that's not what you're here for, is it???

After plugging in the request on RANDOM.ORG, here is the number that was picked:

Here are your random numbers:

61

Timestamp: 2008-10-13 9:02:39 EST

Comment number 61 belongs to.....

Kim Ross!!!!  Kim said:

Congrats on your big milestone! I'll have to go with Crazy for Cupcakes because I'm a cupcake junkie... but this catalog has LOTS of great stamps in it this time :)

So, congratulations Kim and THANK YOU to everyone who played along!  It was really fun to see which sets everyone liked.  I hope you all have a great day and Kim - shoot me your snail mail address at mariemc01@gmail.com

Don't forget to look at my list of items for sale, HERE.

Eastern Blooms meets....

...my new photo tent!!! I decided that with the weather all gloomy and gray lately that I wanted to get a photo tent so that I can take pictures no matter the weather - I prefer natural lighting and sunlight makes for the best pictures.  I still have to edit the color cast from using the tent, but I think it does help me take better pictures.  These two items are two of the Make & Takes that I wanted to show you back when my ability to post pictures on TypePad went nuts.  Well, they STILL haven't fixed it.  But, I discovered that sometimes when a little box with an "x" in it is displayed when I'm creating the post, it still publishes correctly and the picture shows on my blog.  Please never hesitate to let me know if a picture doesn't show up for you!!!!  I am still having to save the pictures in a lower resolution so that I can upload them on here, so maybe someday TypePad will get it's act together and fix this bug.  They told me they were working on it and it's been over a month now!!!

 

I hope you like the card and bookmark.  My Stamps in the Mail participants are going to get to make the bookmark and I'm trying to decide if I want to use the card as a basic sketch for one they're going to do too, or not.  I will leave the recipe at the bottom for both. Carmen let me kow that the square of DSP is the Kiwi Kiss Patterns DSP.  Thanks Carmen!!!

For the card, we dry embossed the white flower image that you see, then when you brayer over the side of the cardstock with the image recessed on it instead of the side where it is raised, as long as you go back and forth very lightly you will end up with in only on the part of the CS that isn't the image.  It is a REALLY fun technique to try.  So, no - that's not white ink, or a white rub-on, on Tangerine Tango CS.  It is Whisper White CS dry embossed (using the Classy Brass template and a stylus) and then brayered with Tangerine Tango ink.

Card
Stamps:  Eastern Booms, Thank You Kindly
Paper:  Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White and Confetti White CS
Ink:  Tangerine Tango and Chocolate Chip classic ink, VersaMark
Accessories:  Brayer, Floral Frenzy Classy Brass Template and embossing stylus, Scallop Edge punch, Clear Rhinestone Brad (from Paper Pretties Kit), Chocolate Chip 1/4" grosgrain, dimensionals

Bookmark
Stamps:  Eastern Blooms
Paper:  Pacific Point and Whisper White CS, Kiwi Kiss Patterns DSP
Ink:  Tangerine Tango classic ink, Old Olive craft ink 
Accessories:  Filigree Designer Brads, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Crystal Effects5/8" Pacific Point Striped Grosgrain ribbon, 1/2" circle punch, On Board Chipboard frame found (I think) in both the On Board Essentials Chipboard and the On Board Something Seasonal Chipboard, glue dots, dimensionals

Updated....

I've updated my list of items for sale.  Would love to get some more of them off of my hands!!!!  Take a look at them here. 

Cute, Curly and Chocolate - Tangerine Kisses

Some of you may have seen this posted over at SCS.  I forgot to post it here.  It's a card I made for this week's color challenge (CC187) which you can see here.  I had this card pop into my head as soon as I started thinking about how I would use the colors.  I like how it turned out.  This is a great color combo and I encourage you to try it out!

Also, don't forget to enter in my Boot Loot contest here for some great prizes and CHECK OUT my Stamps and other items FOR SALE here.  I CHANGED the end-date of my Boot Loot contest because there will be a BIG surprise on October 15th!!!!

Lastly, I will probably not get to do much/any stamping in the near future.  I've got a 15-month old who has DOUBLE pink eye, a DOUBLE ear-infection, a terrible cold and fever, AND he's getting about SIX teeth in all at once!!! Plus, to top it all off, the hubby went on a deployment for a week to the desert (he's a pilot in the US Air Force) so I'm a single-mom for this week to my 3 young kiddos, one of which is really sick.  Sorry!!!  I do have the Boot Loot drawing on Monday and some FUN and EXCITING news for you on Wednesday, so stay tuned and have a wonderful weekend!!!

Stamps:  Cute & Curly, Pocket Silhouettes, Spunky Spots Jumbo Wheel (retired)
Paper:  Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss, Tangerine Tango and Whisper White CS
Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss and Tangerine Tango classic ink
Accessories: Curvy Label punch, Scallop Edge punch, paper piercing tool, Tangerine Tango Striped ribbon, dimensionals

Don't Forget!!

For those of you that use subscription services to check in on my blog, don't forget that sometimes (not very often, but it does happen!) I post more than once in a day.  Pay careful attention to the e-mails you receive because if you click on one of the posts listed, you will only see THAT post when it takes you to my blog.  There are some ways you can make sure you don't miss multiple posts that are made in one day. 

1.  If you click on the main link to my blog within your e-mail - usually you can do this by clicking on the title of my blog in the body of the e-mail sent to you - you can see my entire blog and all of it's posts, not just a specific post from that day.

2.  After clicking on a link in your e-mail to one of my posts, you can click on the word "main" at the top of the screen when you are finished with that particular post and you will be taken to my main blog page and not one particular post.  You can then simply scroll down and see all of my recent posts.

3.  You can click on each post link listed in your e-mail.

Hopefully this info helps - I wouldn't want  you to miss anything!! :)

Baby Boy Card

 

I LOVED this card by Amy Sheffer and have just been waiting and waiting for a friend to have a baby so that I could make my own version of it. I love the little ribbon tabs - they remind me of the little tag blankets that you can buy for babies to stimulate them and give them something with texture and color that's soft to play with.  Anyway -  I tried to change the shapes on the card, and of course I changed the colors and images too.  I'm sure you can still see the inspiration and the overall LO from her card, but I tried to make it my own. 

To get the waves, I punched a Bashful Blue circle using my new 1-3/4" circle punch and then pulled it through the Scallop Edge punch so that I didn't end up with a tiny piece of "left-over" paper.  Normally, you end up with a strip of paper when you use the Scallop Edge punch but by pulling it through the punch so that it didn't punch the bottom edge but rather only the top edge with the scallops, I was able to get a the reverse image on the bottom of my circle so that I could add some Dazzling Diamonds and adhere it right onto the bottom of the circle with the boat image on it and presto!  Waves!!!.  Clear as mud?  It's the same principle as making long tags with the tag punch by pulling a strip of paper through the punch so that the bottom isn't punched and you can make the tag longer than the actual shape on the punch.  I'm sure some of you are familiar with that?

Anyway, I hope you like it - I know I LOVE this card.  Amy is so talented and I think this is actually the first card of hers that I've CASE'd and I don't know what took me so long!??!!

Also, don't forget to enter in my Boot Loot contest here for some great prizes and CHECK OUT my Stamps and other items FOR SALE here.  I CHANGED the end-date of my Boot Loot contest because there will be a BIG surprise on October 15th!!!!

  

Stamps:  Nursery Necessities, Polka Dot BG
Paper:  Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue and Whisper White CS
Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery and Real Red markers, Chocolate Chip and Certainly Celery classic ink
Accessories:  Scallop Edge punch, 1-3/4" Circle punch, Celery 5/8" grosgrain, Bashful Blue Striped grosgrain, Red Gingham, White, Celery and Bashful Blue grosgrain, Chocolate Chip twill, Chocolate Chip Taffeta, Paper Piercing tool and template, Creative Memories circle cutting system, Dazzling Diamonds and 2-way Glue Pen, dimensionals

Lots and LOTS of stuff for sale....

Check out THIS page for items I have for sale. I will work with you on shipping in the case of multiple items purchased.  Thanks for looking!!

Go-to Sketch

 

This is my go-to sketch.  I LOVE it.  I found it first on Kristina Werner's blog, and I don't know if she is the first person EVER to use it, but I think it's well-known by stampers to be a layout of "hers".  It is one I use often, and I vary it a little with the shape of the layers, the size of the layers, etc.  Anyway, this card is one in a set (I made three sets) that I made as a prize for the games played at a friend's baby shower.  I hope the winner likes them!!

Tomorrow's card is GORGEOUS if I do say so myself, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for it!  :)

Also, don't forget to enter in my Boot Loot contest here for some great prizes and CHECK OUT my Stamps and other items FOR SALE here.

Stamps:  Flight of the Butterfly
Paper:  Regal Rose, Rose Red and Whisper White CS, Georgia Peach DSP
Ink:  So Saffron, Regal Rose and Rose Red classic ink
Accessories:  Whisper White Taffeta ribbon

Boot Loot!!!!!

This post will remain at the top until the drawing for the Boot Loot has taken place and the winner is announced.  Check below for new posts daily.

I realized that I didn't hold a Boot Loot drawing when I hit 75K so I'm doing it now.  Why now, you might be asking?  Well, because I have been finally unpacking my stamping stuff and I have TONS of stuff that I need to get rid of to open up room for the new things I've gotten and basically just to get rid of some of my clutter.

So, here's what I'll be giving away (and I will post a picture as soon as I can take one):

- 100 sheets of 6x6 assorted RETIRED Designer Series Paper (DSP = scrapbook paper) plus some extra sheets of SU!'s old single-sided Designer Paper - for the ultra-observant, I don't have it cut yet so I used 100 sheets of the Prints/Patterns paper packs available as a Hostess Level I benefit in the catalog ;)

- New, unmounted 2008 Sale-a-Bration "Birthday Whimsy" stamp set - DIE CUT!!!!

- 20 chipboard coasters (4" x 4") for you to alter - they're sitting on top of the DSP and they make great mini-albums, just punch holes in them for binding, or you can put mini- calendars on them and a magnet or clip on the back

- 1 black "Ready-to-Make" picture frame (window size is 4-5/8" x 3") that you can cover with DSP

- 6 blank CD Literature files for you to alter (I've made them into books and posted here on my blog is one that I used to send a CD to a friend - link 3 together to make a cute mini-album!!!)

- Unopened tin of Accents and Elements - self-adhesive shapes that you can add to your cards/scrapbook layouts plus you can alter and re-use the tin!!!

What do you have to do to enter? 

1. Leave me a comment on this post telling me your favorite stamp set in the SU! Fall-Winter 2008 Idea Book & Catalog.  If you don't have your own copy, you can go to this link (it is the "shop now" section of my SU! website so that you don't have to download the large file which is the whole IB&C - simply look in the shopping section for stamps to see them - you don't have to buy any!!!!  Unless you want to, of course ;)  ) 

2. Only 1 entry per person, and I will use random.org to draw a winner on the 13th of October at 9:00 am EST.

3. US and Canadian residents and military affiliated entrants with an APO/AE address!!

Last New Catty Swap Card

This card is the fourth of four New Catty swap cards that I made.  I'm going to stop saying, "this is a simple card" because that's just my style and I would say it with practically every card I makes.  Suffice it to say that I think it is striking in it's...simplicity :)  I hope the ladies in the swap liked it - they should all have theirs by now.

Stamps:  Cute & Curly
Paper:  Really Rust and Whisper White CS, More Mustard Textured CS, Haiku DSP
Ink:  Really Rust classic ink
Accessories:  Flower Fusion Old Olive Flower, gold brad, Old Olive 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, Curly Label punch, dimensionals, paper piercing tool and guide

Sarah and Emma's Mini Pizza Boxes

 

Well, these boxes aren't for pizza, but they are for goodies, gifts and scripture quotes for my girls during the 12 days before Christmas.  I knew Emma would like the elegant, traditional Christmas colored one, and I created the Pink and Cocoa one specially for Sarah.  She loves pink right now and I knew it was what she would want.  I showed them to her when I was done and asked her which one she wanted and without hesitation she picked the one I had made her.  I don't know what I would have done if she hadn't picked it - made another of the red ones I guess!!!

Where did I come up with these boxes?  From Splitcoast Stampers!!  The Technique Lover's Challenge (TLC189) this week was to make these mini pizza boxes.  If you check out this link to TLC189 you can find the directions and a template for making them yourself. I was amazed at just how quickly they came together and they end up being 4x4.  They're SO adorable!!!

I wanted to show you different views so that you can see the ribbon I adhered to the sides.  So, click on the pics for an up-close view and see below them all for the recipes.

 

 

 

Emma's box:
Stamps:  Snow Swirled, Holidays & Wishes, Happy Everything
Paper:  Riding Hood Red Textured CS, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip and Whisper White CS
Ink:  VersaMark, Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip and Old Olive marker
Accessories:  Gold detail embossing powder, Fire Circle Rhinestone Brads, 1" and 1-1/4" circle punches, Designer Label punch, Alpine ribbon, paper piercing tool

Sarah's box:
Stamps:  Snow Swirled, Holidays & Wishes, Happy Everything
Paper:  Close to Cocoa, Pink Pirouette and Whisper White CS
Ink:  Close to Cocoa and Pink Pirouette classic ink, Close to Cocoa marker
Accessories:  Fire Circle Rhinestone Brads, 1" and 1-1/4" Circle punches, Designer Label punch, Pink Pirouette Striped Grosgrain, paper piercing tool 

SC196 and CC185

For SCS fans out there, you're familiar with the Sketch Challenges and Color Challenges that they host. I LOVE them for inspiration when I'm just stuck.  The color combo they used this past week is my FAVORITE color combo and Baja Breeze is my all-time favorite SU! color.  I had suggestedthis combo of Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip and Really Rust to Emily several weeks ago after my first card made with theh combo.  I don't know if she told the fill-in host to do it or not, but either way I'm so glad the combo has been shared with all SCS users to inspire them with it's loveliness!

Check out SC196 here to see the sketch I used - I flipped it 90-degrees.  Check out the link to CC185 here to see it.

Stamps: Organic Grace, Pocket Silhouettes
Paper: Chocolate Chip and Whisper White CS, Really Rust Textured CS, Baja Breeze Patterns DSP
Ink:  Baja Breeze and Chocolate Chip classic ink
Accessories:  Chocolate Chip Taffeta ribbon, silver brads, dimensionals

ANOTHER chance to win!!

If you go to Lainey's blog (the owner of the Go. Be Creative. store and kit organizer), you can win not only the October GBC Scrapbook kit, but also the September one!!!  Click hereto go to her blog and enter to win!! If you enter her WCMD contest, that gives you another chance!!

World Card Making Day

Today is World Card Making Day, and I figured since it is I should post a card too :)  This card was in a set that I made for a friend's baby shower as a prize for one of the games.  Once again - when mass producing - I don't go overboard.  I added some bling to the center of the flower and used my trusty "to You from me" stamp from the Best Yet stamp set and along with some paper piercing the card was complete!  So, why don't you pull out your supplies and make a card for someone you love or care about?  It doesn't have to be fancy, it can be simple like this.  The fact that you took the time to sit down and make it for the person is what counts.  Who doesn't like to get mail, anyway?  You'll brighten someone's day with just a few minutes of your time and it beats Hallmark's prices!!! :)

Stamps: Organic Grace, Best Yet
Paper:  Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy and Whisper White CS
Ink:  Not Quite Navy classic ink
Accessories:  Clear Rhinestone Brad (Paper Pretties kit), Paper Piercing Tool and Guide

For those of you who might be interested, SU! is having a special offer in honor of World Card Making Day that ends soon!!  See it below and contact me to ask any questions or to place an order.  You can also click on the "online ordering" icon in my right-hand sidebar to place your order securely on-line.  Stampin' Up! is excited to celebrate this holiday with you during the week of October 4-11.  During this week, SU! is offering 20 percent off Simply Sent card kits and Simply Sent Card Elements.  These can be found on pages 176 and 77 in the Idea Book and Catalog.

Hybrid Page

 

For those of you that check in here regularly, you know that I'm on the Go. Be Creative (GBC) Creative Team.  Well, this 12 x 12 page is one I made using the Cosmo Cricket "Haunted" papers and other items that are in the October kit over at GBC.  I was so happy with how this page turned out - I managed to use papers that even had Halloween images on them originally, and the parts I used don't show them at all.  The colors did lend to a great Fall-themed page.  The LO is totally inspired by a sketch over at "got sketch?" from back in July.  I LOVE that site, go check it out!!  As for why this is "hybrid", well, I still haven't picked up my pictures from the photo center so in order to give the gals over at GBC a better idea of what had inspired the LO I digitally added my photo that I would be using.  I personally don't mind picture-less LO's when I want ideas, but since pages are usually built around specific pictures I didn't want to leave it out this time - last month I had a few pages without pictures.  I'm just glad I have PhotoShop and thought to do it this way.  Anyway, would love to know what you think!!

Stamps:  Frames with a Flourish
Paper: "Haunted" by Cosmo Cricket (GBC October Scrapbook kit)
Ink:  Elegant Eggplant classic ink (stamped image and chipboard letters), Really Rust classic ink (edges of chipboard letters), Elegant Eggplant marker
Accessories:  All from the GBC October Scrapbook kit - Artsy-licious Splendid Treasures in Kohl (buttons, bling and felt flowers), Maya Road "Noah" chipboard letters and "Scrolls" sheer sheet (black scrolling over-lay) 

Paper Beads

I had the pleasure over at Go. Be Creative. to feature a tutorial and project for the month of October. I decided to create some jewelry using my scrapbook kit for the month.  I thought I would share it here on my blog too - hope you like it!!  I would LOVE to see what you create if you use the tutorial!!!

Scrapbook Paper Beads

Supplies:
- Scrapbook papers of choice
- ModPodge
- Paint Brush
- Cylindrical object to wind paper around – I used a plastic q-tip
- Ribbon or other thread to string beads on (any additional jewelry-making hardware you might want)
- Needle (for threading beads)

1. Cut the papers you have chosen into triangular strips (photo 1a) that you can choose to “blunt” the end of as shown (photo 1b) to make beads of different shapes. The triangular strips tend to make rounder beads while the “blunt” end triangular strips make more oblong beads. Play around with the strip shapes to discover what kinds of beads you can make!

1a


1b



2. Begin winding your strips of paper starting at the widest end first on some kind of cylindrical plastic object that will leave your bead with a large enough hole to pass a needle through with whatever ribbon/cord/thread you desire to use. I used a plastic q-tip because a regular white “cardboard” q-tip would stick to the bead and ModPodge you will need to use in a few steps. A paint brush or some other object like that will work too – you just want the cylinder to be of uniform width so that you paper doesn’t wind irregularly or you end up with different sized holes on each end of the bead.




3. Apply a very small amount of glue to the end of your strip to adhere it to the bead and keep it from un-winding.





4. Using a paint brush, apply ModPodge to the bead while still on the tool you used to wind it on. I used Matte ModPodge but I think that the glossy ModPodge would make some beautiful beads that would almost appear as if they were madee out of ceramic or glass. Make sure to get in the grooves of where the paper spiraled on either side.








5. Remove bead from the cylindrical object you wound it on and place it somewhere to dry. I simply placed mine on top of my scratch paper that I was working on on my table. My beads were not very sticky from ModPodge because I kept my ModPodge very thin. Be careful of what you set them on because they could stick. If you used heavy coats of ModPodge then you will want to stick them on a surface that is non-porous and will also perhaps want to move them before they are totally dry to make sure that they’re not sticking to what you placed them on.



6. After allowing the beads to dry, you can then string them to complete your bracelet.