Positive Force

ABC and Me!!!

2012-01-25T15:10:00.000-08:00

Some exciting news from the ABC Toys and Crafts store:

New Designers announced....

I am happy to announce that we have 2 new design team members. This was a very hard choice to make and thank you to all the designers that applied.
I have asked each designer to tell us a little about themselves...

so Without Further Ado

I would like to welcome to the team Lynda and Sarah...

My name is Lynda Lindley and I live in the beautiful state of Washington with my husband, two daughters, and a puppy. I have been paper crafting for twenty years; starting out as a stamper; then began incorporating that into scrapbooking and other paper crafts.

I love photography, beading, painting and gardening when I'm not paper crafting. I make time to craft every days as it helps to ground me...I don't feel the same if I haven't gotten ink or paint on my fingers each day. I am so excited to be part of the ABC Toys and Crafts design team!!

My name is Sarah Bennett, I have been married to my wonderful husband for nearly 28 years and I am a Mom to our four beautiful children and two precious Labrador Retrievers.

Originally from New England, we have been happily transplanted to sunny Southern California, trading snow for sand and often can be found spending time at nearby Disneyland.

I am a true rubber stamp addict, and a former Stampin' Up! demonstrator, now focusing on my love of designing and creating. I also enjoy counted cross stitch embroidery and baking. I am trilled to be joining ABC Toys & Crafts and hope my cards and projects will bring inspiration to you!

I am sure these designers are going to be a great fit with the ABC Design Team, I am looking forward seeing wonderful projects from them.

~Julie

Ahem...I am Momenta D-Lited to tell you something...

2012-01-24T17:08:00.000-08:00

Lookie, lookie what you can see on the Momenta blog today....just a little secret I've been keeping...so excited to be part of this new team!!!

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Introducing Our D-Lite Team!

We are so excited to announce the new D-Lite team!

This team is in addition to our 2012 Design Team. The D-Lite team will be responsible for providing feedback on products, helping us ensure that every product meets our high standards for quality and design as well as providing insight to help us shape what our future products are! They will also be sharing their creations as inspiration for all of us!

Introducing the 2012 D-Lite Team:

Lay Hah Misso (Alexia)

Lisa Townsend

Lynda Lindley (me!!!!)

Victoria (Tory) Frail

Victoria Murray

Congratulations girls!
Please join me in welcoming the first ever D-Lite Team!

A few new cards

2012-01-14T20:44:00.000-08:00

I've been working on cleaning out my craft room to get ready for the Crafty garage sale that is all set for February 11!!! I took a break and spent some time stamping and playing in my newly cleaned space.

All three cards use Hero Arts stamps. The first two cards are created using a few of the new stamps I just received from ABC Toys and Crafts. I won a $40 gift certificate from their store and picked out a great selection of stamps!!

I had this stamp in my collection already, so I pulled out my distressed inks and created the background behind the bird. I used some black enamel to make the eye pop...and a Prima flower and button from my stash.

I am looking forward to spending more time this week in my newly cleaned space...now to price what I am going to sell and box it all up....

Happy crafting....Lynda

FRIENDS WITH FLAIR 1-13-12

2012-01-13T14:51:00.000-08:00

Today I thought for the Friends with Flair feature on the Unity blog that I would share with you the two cards I created for the Unity Itty Bitty Challenge. For my first card I used the Tree Love stamp...I added the chipboard heart to the tree that was colored with Copics. I added the sentiment (also Unity) to a cloud that I cut out to match the pattern on the pattern paper (which is Imaginesce) I completed my scene creating a grassy hill using my Martha scissors...love these for creating fun texture!

and then I made this cute card featuring Tail Wagger also colored with my Copics...this one uses the same cute Unity Sentiment and a few pieces of Bella Blvd pattern paper and a few Spellbinders dies.

Well I can say that I now have two cute Valentines ready for the special day next month...

Happy crafting....Lynda

A little of this...and a little of that...

2012-01-08T19:30:00.000-08:00

We made it safely to California and back just after Christmas. I have to say that the weather totally cooperated and we had sunny skies the entire time we were driving...just a wee bit of mist and heavy fog the day we went to San Francisco. The kids and the dog did wonderful in the car for the just short of 900 miles down and the same back...whew!! The new truck ran like a dream and was so comfortable.

Today we celebrated the Princess' tenth birthday...so hard to believe that my baby is ten!!! Sheesh...how exactly does that happen?

Where did this face go? (the first Santa photo...not happy...and that is even with her sitting on dh...see his hand and part of his brown coat sticking out?)

and here she is on the carousel on Pier 39 in San Francisco...the smile is for me and the fact that she was riding on a giant panda...her favorite animal...

did get a small bit of stamping done this weekend...had to make a birthday card for the Princess...so decided to make one that represented her...she LOVED it...and it is so her...she stands out!!!

and then got a start on a Valentine card idea....

and wrapped it up with stamping a holiday card...couldn't resist using this snowman one more time...tucked it away for sending out next year (this is a test to see if I can find it next Christmas to send!)

I hope the new year is treating you well and that you find some time to create something colorful this week...

I will be cleaning and reorganizing my craft room...doing a Crafty Garage Sale on February 11th...so time to thin the herd a bit and make room for new things...(and yes, all crafters say we're going to do that all the time..this time for sure!) :o)

Happy crafting....Lynda

Holiday gift

2011-12-26T05:49:00.000-08:00

Each year I make a year in review album for my MIL. I try and keep it super simple; focus on the photos of the family each month and a little special events kind of journaling...

Here is the book for this year...wanted to be sure to take pictures of it before she gets it as I seem to forget each year and then say "yeah, I should have taken some pictures."

Most of the papers and journaling spots are from Nikki Sivils; I had a HUGE pile of scraps and pieces, so I wanted to see how much I could get the album done with; and only ended up with like three other papers in the entire thing!!!

Resolution for next year is to really focus on using what I have in my room already; as I have a small store in there and could scrap for months and only need adhesive!

Hope your holiday was wonderful...and have a great week!

Happy crafting......Lynda

Purple is snow much fun!!!

2011-12-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

Today is my final post for the Crafter's Companion team. I have enjoyed working with their stamps and their Envelobox tool is awesome!

Well here in the Pacific Northwest we have yet to have snow this year and for those of us that like the snow we're getting a bit anxious to see some flakes flying... Until that starts happening I just have to pull out this cute Let It Snow stamp set and get busy!

I decided to color her in a non-traditional snow color....PURPLE! I then pulled out some flock and made parts of her coat and hat fuzzy. She is so cute!

(want to know a secret? She's backed on Halloween paper...and not just any Halloween paper..TWO kinds of Nikki Sivils Boo-tiful Halloween paper - Boo and Trick or Treat Smell my feet...take a second look at holiday papers from other seasons and see if you can find a color theme that inspires you to color in a non-traditional way!)

I hope this little snow princess has inspired you to stamp up some winter cheer...

Happy crafting...Lynda

TGF Holiday Hop Stop...

2011-12-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone and welcome to my stop on the customer holiday blog hop for The Greeting Farm. I have to say that I have been a fan of these stamps from afar for a while and finally broke down and ordered a few...then I was officially hooked...The girls are just the cutest and lend themselves to being used for so many fun things...

For the hop I created two projects...the first is a holiday card using one of the Miss Anya Collection images. I colored her as if she had gone out holiday shopping...

and for my second project that I created for the General TGF theme, I am sharing with you a canvas that I made using the Miss Anya Collection images. I went on a girls weekend last month and each of these cuties represents each of us girls that spent the weekend hanging out, eating, and of course....SHOPPING!!! Each girl is stamped using Stazon ink and then colored in using watercolor pencils and gelatos.

I hope you like my projects and enjoy your way through the blogs in the hop! Be sure to drop back by The Greeting Farm blog to continue along your way...

Happy holidays and happy crafting....Lynda

Another layout

2011-12-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

My friend Anne hosted a challenge on the Paper Patch Crafts Facebook page to create a layout based on a Page Maps sketch. I loved the sketch and hit my craft room to see what I could come up with. I pulled out a pile of scraps I had from making cards for the magazine last month and created this layout... It features all pattern papers from Nikki Sivils Ellie's Day out line; trim is May Arts; flower is from Prima and the rubons were all leftovers in my stash pile...

and because I had my bag of scraps out I also made this layout:

the pattern paper, flower, and dog house are all Nikki Sivils as well. Oh and those fantastic HUGE photo corners are also from the Bella Blue and Oscar too line....

I hope you like these pages and pull out your leftovers and see what you can create...

Happy crafting....Lynda

Holiday cards falling like snow...

2011-12-15T13:46:00.001-08:00

I've been working on our holiday cards around all the last week of school activities for the kids. Today was all about using this cute Nikki Sivils stamp from Unity....LOVE how cute it is. For my card I colored the image using Copics first. I then cut it out and added some liquid snow to the roofline. I then decided that this wonderful pattern paper from Bo Bunny was just perfect for my snowy sky....I tore some white cardstock to make the snow covered ground and then added the same liquid snow to the edge of the paper.

I then stamped the sentiment onto a piece of colored cardstock and added the liquid snow to the top edge...added that little coil of wire for smoke from the chimney...a splash of glitter along the snow and here we are:

I stamped an entire sheet of these cute little houses, so I'm going to be playing more with them this afternoon...

Happy crafting....Lynda

Crafter's Companion blog hop winner

2011-12-13T09:22:00.001-08:00

The winner of the Rudolph stamp set from my blog is:

pat said...

I love how you put this on a tin and did the ribbon around it. great xmas decoration.'

Congratulations Pat!!! Be sure to check the list of winners on the Crafter's Companion blog!!

The lucky Peachy Keen winner is....

2011-12-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone....Lynda Lindley here to share with you who is the lucky winner of the Peachy Keen goodies I was giving away this week....but before I tell you who the lucky winner is, I wanted to share with you a few more projects I created with the Critter Faces Set A Largecollection and Winter is for the Birds. I had a package of these tiny little glass ornaments in my craft closet for quite a while and thought it would be fun to see if I could stamp the face onto the ornament...and carefully using Stazon ink I was able to get a clean impression. I then filled the ornament with yellow acrylic paint. I used an orange Sharpie marker to color in the beak...isn't she just the sweetest...

and here she is without the holiday lights...

My final card is for a very special little friend who is celebrating a birthday soon...I ran the tan cardstock through my embossing machine to make it look like a waffle cone...then used my Cricut to cut out the icecream scoops... Stamped the cute face and then mounted the whole thing onto fun pattern paper.

This cute icecream cone is cut from the Once Upon a Princess cartridge.

I also completed this layout...I used the Winter Woodland cartridge for the snowman....and it you look you'll see I used the same face from the chickie project earlier this week...I only inked the eyes this time and turned it upside down...I love how many fun different things you can create with that set!!!

this layout features a bunch of different Nikki Sivils products; the base paper is from the Bella Blue and Oscar too line, the banner pieces are from the Max and Molly line, the heart, and ticket from the Will He Be the 1 line. I love how you can mix and match her lines to get just the look you want.

and finally, I have this cute wine/sparkling cider bottle topper....I will share the exact dimension on my regular blog next week in case you would like to know...

Thank you so much everyone for their kind comments and participating in the giveaway this week...I have had the best time being the guest designer!!! Now...for the giveaway...in case you forgot what the lucky winner will be getting....

this awesome sampler packet of stamps; contains 7 faces and 2 whiskers

Winter is for the birds mini stamp set

and something to be sure you can get busy with them right away:

a Pink Acrylic Block 4.25" x 4.25" x .5"

the lucky winner of this amazing selection of Peachy Keen products is...

JAMIE!!!

Happy crafting....Lynda

Peachy Keen last day as guest designer...

2011-12-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

Well they say that all good things must come to an end and I have to say that I am sad that this is my last official guest designer project on the Peachy Keen blog... This week the Lets Face It Friday challenge was to create a project using fabric and a face stamp. I pulled out my Critter Faces Set A Large collection and got busy. I also pulled out the penquin acrylic shape set and used the pieces as templates to make my cute penguin. I stamped this cute face on the penguin and colored in his cheeks with some pink chalk.

For my fabric element I decided that I wanted to make him a cute scarf. I decided that felt...well felt like the right choice...so I cut some small strips and rolled one to create the rose; one for the neck, and two for the tails for my scarf....I think he looks super cute:

I finished him off by adding him to some pattern paper and adding a strip of white cardstock with chunky glitter to the bottom. I hope you'll take the Lets Face it Friday challenge and check out all the other wonderful inspiration on the Peachy Keen Challenge Blog!!!

Now for some Peachy Goodness for you.... Peachy Keen is allowing me to give all these goodies to one lucky person that leaves a comment here on this blog and my blog during this week:

this awesome sampler packet of stamps; contains 7 faces and 2 whiskers

Winter is for the birds mini stamp set

and something to be sure you can get busy with them right away:

a Pink Acrylic Block 4.25" x 4.25" x .5"

So...be sure to leave me a comment here and on my blog for this post and my other posts this week for your increased chance at winning these wonderful Peachy goodies!! Be sure to check back on tomorrow when I share with you one final project and post the winner....it could be YOU!!!

Happy crafting...Lynda

2011-12-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Crafter's Companion USA Christmas blog hop!

We are so excited to be giving away so many of Crafter's Companion's fabulous products, as well as sharing many Christmas project ideas. If you are coming from Holley's blog, you are in the right place. If not, make sure you head over to Crafter’s Companion USA over here, where the blog hop starts. We are giving away a prize on every blog, including the entire set of our new Spectrum Noir alcohol markers to one lucky winner who posts a comment on every blog. These markers are so new, that you will be receiving our first prototype of them. That's 72 markers!

Spectrum Noir pens are alcohol ink based which have been designed specifically for crafters, but these affordable markers are also great for beginners, students and hobby artists alike. Each pen is double-ended, with a broad chisel nib for large area fills and a fine bullet tip for detailed work. Spectrum Noir marker pens will soon be available in 168 colour shades including a colourless blender. The colours blend seamlessly and can be mixed or layered over each other. These fast drying, alcohol based markers are acid-free and non-toxic, and the coloured ends of the pen allow for easy colour identification. (Please note: The design of the pen, color names and numbers may be different than the pens that will be released in January.) The image colour has been reproduced as accurately as possible.

I've been making a LOT of holiday ornaments and tags the past few weeks. Looking for ways to use recycled items as much as possible. Just like my post yesterday, today's post uses the metal top off a frozen juice container. For this ornament I used just the reindeer from this cute Humphrey stamp set Hello Rudolph for my project today:

I stamped my image onto cardstock and colored it in. I then cut it out to fit the metal piece.

I then trimmed small pieces of holiday ribbon into two inch pieces; folding each over to create these small points (kind of like a bow). I glued each ribbon piece around the metal piece and then added my stamped image. I trimmed the edge of my stamped piece with gold cording and then added the same cording as my hanger.... Isn't he cute...I made another to use as a tag for a gift as well.

I hope my project has inspired you to look for fun things you can alter into holiday ornaments and tags. I am giving away the stamp set that I used for my project, Hello Rudolph, to one lucky commenter. This giveaway is limited to USA residents only. So be sure to leave me a comment before midnight on December 11th and then check back on the Crafter's Companion blog on Tuesday, December 13 to see if you were the lucky winner.

Your next stop is Amy!!!

Happy crafting...Lynda

Here is the hop order in case you get lost along the way...

Crafter’s Companion News Blog - http://crafterscompanion.blogspot.com/

Lisette - http://totallyinkspired.blogspot.com/

Holley - http://holleybarnhartsblog.blogspot.com/

Lynda - http://positive-force.blogspot.com/

Amy - http://yorkieluver2.blogspot.com/

Denise - http://lalasworldblog.blogspot.com/

Khristen - http://khristenscraftroom.blogspot.com/

Stacy - http://scrapwithstacy.blogspot.com/

Ann - http://stampwithme-ann.blogspot.com/

Jinky - http://www.jinkyscrafts.blogspot.com/

Crafter’s Companion News Blog - http://crafterscompanion.blogspot.com/

Day four on the Peachy Keen blog

2011-12-08T04:00:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone...it's day four for me on the Peachy Keen blog! I have to say that I am totally in love with this Winter is for the Birds stamp set! She is just the cutest little thing and no matter what you stamp her on it turns out perfect!!

I thought it would be fun today to share a fun altered recycled project with you. To create this you will need the metal top from a frozen juice can. I never throw these away and find that they make perfect ornament bases. I cut a piece of pattern paper to fit the metal and punched a hole in the top. I stamped the sweet little birdie and colored her in. I then backed her with coordinating cardstock. I completed my ornament by adding this fun ball trim along the outside of the metal...hanging the entire thing with some sparkly twine....

She looks so cute on my tree....and I've now made a few more to use as tags for gifts...I hope you'll take a second look at your container lids and see what other fun projects you can make!

Now for some Peachy Goodness for you.... Peachy Keen is allowing me to give all these goodies to one lucky person that leaves a comment here on this blog and my blog during this week:

this awesome sampler packet of stamps; contains 7 faces and 2 whiskers

Winter is for the birds mini stamp set

and something to be sure you can get busy with them right away:

a Pink Acrylic Block 4.25" x 4.25" x .5"

I hope you'll stop by each day this week to see what other fun projects I have created for you this week...

Happy crafting...Lynda

Day three on the Peachy Keen blog!!

2011-12-07T04:00:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone...Lynda here with another fun Peachy Keen project. I have been having so much fun playing with the various faces you can find in the Critter Faces Set A Large collection. This set contains 21 different faces...can you say WOW!!!

I decided that I wanted to make a cat greeting for a friend that has been going through a rough patch... I cut out this cute cat using my Cricut and then stamped the cat face onto the diecut. I popped her up on the card using foam tape.

Isn't she just the sweetest little kitty! I print a lot of my greetings using my computer; I will print sheets of my most commonly used sentiments in various fonts in various sizes. I then trim them all down and keep them in a small box. I can just pull out a greeting and finish off a card very quickly from my little sentiment stash!

ETA - she is cut from the Cindy Loo cartridge...sorry I did not include that in the original post...

Now for some Peachy Goodness for you.... Peachy Keen is allowing me to give all these goodies to one lucky person that leaves a comment here on this blog and my blog during this week:

this awesome sampler packet of stamps; contains 7 faces and 2 whiskers

Winter is for the birds mini stamp set

and something to be sure you can get busy with them right away:

a Pink Acrylic Block 4.25" x 4.25" x .5"

I hope you'll stop by each day this week to see what other fun projects I have created for you this week...

Happy crafting...Lynda

Day two on the Peachy Keen blog for me!!!

2011-12-06T04:00:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone...it's day two for me on the Peachy Keen blog!!! I love the sweet expressions on the stamps from the Critter Faces Set A Large collection....so many wonderful possibilities...just look at these faces...

I thought I would make a cute chickie holiday card. I cut my chickie out and then the hat on my cricut. I made the white parts on my hat fuzzy using some flocking... I added some chalk cheeks and then mounted her onto the fun holiday paper...added the cute cardstock tree sticker and was done!

Isn't she just the cutest darn thing...such a sweet holiday greeting!

ETA - She is cut from the Create a Critter cartridge...sorry I didn't include that in my original post...

Now for some Peachy Goodness for you.... Peachy Keen is allowing me to give all these goodies to one lucky person that leaves a comment here on this blog and my blog during this week:

this awesome sampler packet of stamps; contains 7 faces and 2 whiskers

Winter is for the birds mini stamp set

and something to be sure you can get busy with them right away:

a Pink Acrylic Block 4.25" x 4.25" x .5"

I hope you'll stop by each day this week to see what other fun projects I have created for you this week...

Happy crafting...Lynda

2011-12-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

Today starts my week as the guest designer on the Peachy Keen blog! I love the versatility of the Peachy Keen stamp line and am so excited to bring you some projects this week that I hope will inspire you to create some unique one of kind gifts and greetings to share.

For my first project this week I thought we would start with a fun and easy corner bookmark.

Start with a square of cardstock; mine is 4" x 4". You then score from corner to corner to create an X across the piece. Then stamp your image onto one of the triangle shapes; for this project I'm using the Winter is for the Birds stamp set:

next, you trim away the triangle that is opposite of your stamped image

next you color your image and adhere the two side triangles together to form the corner bookmark:

these make such cute gifts for friends at school and are super fun for kids to make. For cute variations you can use fancy edge scissors or punches along the edges for a different look.

I hope this fun project has inspired you to pull out some scrap cardstock and create a corner bookmark for someone today...

Now for some Peachy Goodness for you.... Peachy Keen is allowing me to give all these goodies to one lucky person that leaves a comment here on this blog and my blog during this week:

this awesome sampler packet of stamps; contains 7 faces and 2 whiskers

Winter is for the birds mini stamp set

and something to be sure you can get busy with them right away:

a Pink Acrylic Block 4.25" x 4.25" x .5"

I hope you'll stop by each day this week to see what other fun projects I have created for you this week...

Happy crafting...Lynda

Dog twins...and squeal....

2011-12-04T20:01:00.000-08:00

So...a few months ago I went to the crop at the Ellen Hutson warehouse and had the pleasure of meeting Ellen and spend the afternoon playing in her studio, browsing in the warehouse, and creating some fun goodies... While I was working on this layout Ellen came over and commented that the dog in my layout looked just like her dog Jasper...well I have had the pleasure of meeting Jasper and he could totally be Bayley's brother...Bayley is a Cavachon and Jasper is a Havanese, so they aren't that different hair or color wise.

This is the layout that I started at the crop and finally finished...featuring the wonderful Echo Park Wintertime collection...

if you want to see Bayley's twin you can check out Ellen's facebook page where she posted a photo of Jasper...

and the squeal comes from my having my comment selected on the Tim Holtz blog....yeah!!! I was so excited and surprised to see my name on the winner list yesterday....how exciting...

Tomorrow starts my week as the guest designer on the Peachy Keen blog...so be sure to drop on in and check out my projects this week!!

Happy crafting...Lynda

More cards

2011-11-30T14:53:00.000-08:00

So...I put the card I was working on for the last challenge over at Ellen Hutson done...this is the back in time challenge where you were to create a card using a technique that has been featued on the blog...for my card I used her technique and died the ribbon from white to this beautiful color that matches my card. I used some distressed ink...rubbing it into a plastic baggie and then putting the ribbon inside....adding more color until I got the shade I wanted. This is an awesome way to get exactly what you are looking for...

Here is a card that I made for the Crafter's Companion blog today...down to my last few posts over there. I love the Paint Fushion stamps...they work great for projects that aren't paint related at all.

Happy crafting...Lynda

A few new cards

2011-11-29T20:06:00.000-08:00

Decided to take a break from holiday decorating and make a few cards for the anniversary challenges at Ellen Hutson.

This first card is for the sketch challenge. I used Echo Park Pattern paper and a stamp from Paper Smooches.

The next card is a color combination challenge...

There is one more card that I have that I am working on...the ribbon is drying, so I'll post it tomorrow.

Happy crafting....Lynda

Okay...here she is

2011-11-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

So...I've been working on our holiday cards...and trying to decide on final card designs...I mentinoed how much I loved the little deer stamp I picked up...and I wondered what it would look like if I made it a girl and all pink....so here are two samples done with different Copic color combos...

now I have to say that I love both the blue version and the pink version...I think I'll end up doing a few of each color this year...

Time to get back to my cards....

Happy crafting....Lynda

Now I can share...

2011-11-27T15:35:00.000-08:00

It's almost time for the next issue to come out at Ready, Set, Create...and that means I can share some of the projects that I created for the last issue:

we received these rolled paper flowers from I Love This, so I put this one on top of this Prima flower...sentiment is from Savvy Stamps

we received this cute girl witch stamp from Stamps by Betty...I paired her up with this Pink Paislee pattern paper...

another cute paper rolled flower from I Love This, some Memory Box pattern paper and Pink Paislee letters.

everything on this card is Pink Paislee

and then I created this layout...featuring pattern paper, brad, and letters from Pink Paislee...flowers by Prima...

Be sure you check out the next issue...TONS of wonderful companies featured...

Happy crafting...Lynda

Decisions, decisions....

2011-11-22T14:20:00.000-08:00

Here is another cute holiday card I came up with...love this stamp...I am thinking of doing a pink deer and making her all sparkly and full of bling.... for this guy I used lots of browns and pulled out my gold Smooch to color in the bells...added some white enamel by Ranger on the larger snow dots...embossed the white cardstock base and backed the images with some cute Echo Park paper that had coordinating colors...

Embossing plate: Cuttlebug, Pattern paper: Echo Park; Reindeer stamp: Great Impressions; Sentiment: CTMH; Copic markers, White enamel by Ranger, and Smooch gold.

No matter what I decide on I need to get a move on it...we're having our holiday photo taken and that means in two weeks I'll have the photos and will need to be ready to send out cards....yikes!!

Happy crafting....Lynda

Holiday cards are started...

2011-11-21T15:46:00.000-08:00

So...I've been working on a few different holiday cards with the girls...here are two that we got done this weekend:

I like them both...and I think we'll end up with a bunch of different designs as we also are in LOVE with one of the Penny Black fashionista girls again this year...we used one of them last year for our cards and have used her for a whole bunch of other themes as well...

Happy crafting...Lynda

Down to the last few

2011-11-17T16:31:00.000-08:00

So...I'm down to the last few posts I am responsible for on the Crafter's Companion blog...my term will end at the end of the year, but I will be using these cute stamps long after for sure!

For this weeks project I created an easel card:

To create my card you need a piece of cardstock that is 4 1/4 x 8 1/2 inches. You then need to score the cardstock at 4 1/4 and 6 3/8. This gives you the fold lines to create the easel. You then need a piece of cardstock that is a 4 1/2 inch square for your card front. You'll want to add a small decoration to the bottom of hte inside of the card to assist your card in standing up.

Here is my card from the side:

and here is the card from the front:

and here is a closeup of the coloring:

Isn't he cute...I hope you can get a jump on your holiday cards like me...

Happy crafting....Lynda

Less is not more....MORE is more!!!

2011-11-14T15:12:00.000-08:00

Some people say that less is more....I say that MORE is more...so I decided to take the Lets Cling to it Challenge over at the Splitcoast Stampers site in October and create cards in support of the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston Texas. I posted earlier a few of the cards that I made the first time I sat down...then I decided to make a card for EVERY challenge......that meant a total of 33 cards...so...here are the rest of them...and I think you'll agree...that MORE is more...not less!!

Whew....so I completed EVERY challenge and ended up with a HUGE pile of cards to send...I tossed in a bunch more so my package contained a nice even 60 cards for their use...

Happy crafting....Lynda

If you are inspired to create some cards you can send them along to this address...they LOVE getting happy mail:

The Department of Volunteer Services – Unit 115
Attn: Maggi Suttles
UT MD Anderson Cancer Center
1515 Holcombe Boulevard
Houston, TX 77030

Cards I've been meaning to post

2011-11-03T19:11:00.000-07:00

There has been a LOT of card making going on here at our house lately... I think it's the turn in the weather...a bit cooler the last few weeks and the stamps have been coming out and everyone has been playing with Mama's cool Copic markers... yes, I do let my kids use them....I think it's great to let them learn to appreciate fine art materials and how to treat them properly... and then politely hand them their markers... :o)

Here are a few of the recent cards:

These cards will be mailed in to support the Hope you Can Cling to it challenge over at Splitcoast Stampers in support of the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas. These little cuties will be off in the mail along with a pile of others for patients to be able to use when needed.

It feels good to create something that can help someone that needs a little something...

Happy crafting...Lynda

It's time to think holiday cards

2011-11-02T14:32:00.000-07:00

It is never too early to start to think about your holiday cards and when I got the latest Paint Fushion stamps from the Sheena Douglass by Crafter's Companion I knew right away what I would do. This Poinsettia EZ-Mount stamp set is amazing; nine floral and leaf stamps and one sentiment. I stamped the flower petals various times onto cardstock and colored them in using my Copic markers. I then stamped the outter leaves and colored them in as well. I then added the dimensional paint to the center of the flower and assembled it. I used foam tape to make the flower pop...curling the leaves a bit, bending them here and there to give them a more natural look.

I finished off my card stamping the Poinsettia word on coordinating cardstock and putting all the pieces on this amazing music pattern paper. (and then of course I inked like crazy all over it, because I have to!)

I hope this card inspires you to start to think about your holiday cards and you'll take a look at the amazing line of Sheena Douglass images available.

Happy crafting....Lynda

2011-10-30T18:00:00.000-07:00

The latest Humphrey release from Crafter's Companion is my favorite so far. I know that I say that with each release, but these are the cutest stamps...the quality of the images is amazing and they now come mounted on ez-mount foam ready to stamp!

My first card features the Chocolate Box stamp set...this is Lottie...isn't she just the cutest thing...and she's enjoying this special box of goodies...

and then there is this cute little elephant...this New Baby set is perfect for any special baby greeting you may need... for my card I colored it with yellow so my card would work for either a little baby girl or boy:

Be sure to check out the Crafter's Companion blog for other awesome ideas using the latest stamp releases.

(and yes, I've been watching every Copic coloring video and reading all the blogs...I am so loving alcohol ink markers!!!)

Happy crafting....Lynda

Challenge time

2011-10-18T12:20:00.000-07:00

It's time for the latest challenge at the Paper Patch Crafts Challenge blog...

The challenge is to create a Fall or Halloween theme card and use the scraps to decorate a treat bag or box...

Here is my card:

This is the Daydream Believer stamp from the latest SWALK release...I colored her with some halloween colors and trimmed off the flowers from around her...created the hat from scraps of cardstock and poof...she's a halloween image now!

and my treat bag...

each of my projects features Echo Park's Apothocary Emporium paper...so spooky and fun!!!

I hope you'll drop by the challenge blog and participate in the challenge...there is a great prize up for grabs too!

Happy crafting....Lynda

She's so cute

2011-10-17T09:21:00.000-07:00

The latest releases from the SWALK collection are my favorite yet...and yes I have said that every time a new set comes out...but look at this little face:

and just look at what you can do with her....

you can find my step by step coloring directions on the Crafters Companion blog here.

Happy crafting...Lynda

Thank you card

2011-10-12T15:06:00.000-07:00

Splitcoast stampers is doing an entire month long challenge where participants are asked to make cards and send them to a cancer care center in Texas. I made this card this morning while waiting on hold...

My inspiration for this card is my friend Christa who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer right now...she is so strong and a true inspiration.

I tried to make the card simple and elegant...I find this bird image to be so nice for just about any kind of card. I created the background behind the stamped image using Distressed inks antique linen and tattered rose.

If you have time to make a few cards be sure to check out the thread on their forum here to find out where to send them...

Happy crafting....Lynda

I'm going to use this card for:

the Thank you Card Breast Cancer Awareness challenge at Ellen Hutson

and the Link Up For Pink challenge.

It's party time

2011-10-08T03:00:00.000-07:00

Lets get this party started!!! If you came here from the uber talented Joanne's blog you are on the right path....Paper Patch Crafts is launching it's new Design Team blog and showcasing some amazing projects created with the new Silly Season line from Kaiser Crafts. You can find all the latest Silly Season product here in the store.

Now it's project time...I created some fun things with these wonderful products:

featuring Kaiser Crafts Silly Season Presents Paper, Dasher Paper, Milk and Cookies, andFruitcake.

card featuring Kaiser Crafts Fruitcake paper, Fairy lights, Milk and Cookies, and Dasher.

layout featuring Kaiser Crafts Fairy Lights, Candy Cane, and Sticker Sheet.

So...here is the full blog hop lineup in case you get lost along the way...

Shelley T http://heartstring-designs.blogspot.com/

Joanne http://usinguptheprettypaper.blogspot.com/

Lynda http://positive-force.blogspot.com/ -----> you are here!

Shelley P http://shelley-scrapbookingforfun.blogspot.com/

Anne http://paperpatchcraftsdesignteam.blogspot.com/

and it would not be a party if there weren't prizes right....well one lucky participant that leaves a comment here on my blog by Sunday, October 9 at midnight EST will win this awesome prize:

Keep hopping along and good luck!!!

Be sure to drop by the design team blog and take a peek at the current challenge as well as become a follower and get your name in the hat for this fabulous prize being given away there!

Happy crafting...Lynda

More challenge cards

2011-10-04T13:07:00.000-07:00

There was a time when I was a total challenge junkie. I used to do two or three challenges a week...then life changed all around; kids in school, we got a dog...and then I wasn't doing any challenges... I had forgotten how much I enjoy allowing a challenge to jump start my creativity and push me to use my stash in new ways.

I created these two cards for a couple of the challenges for World Card Making day over on the Ellen Hutson blog. This card is for the sketch challenge: EHWCMD04

and then this card for the Fall inspired Inchie challenge EHWCMD3

Looks like I have my challenge junkie fix up and going...so now it looks like I'll be doing more challenges each week...yeah!

Happy crafting....Lynda

World Card Making day cards

2011-10-03T15:37:00.000-07:00

So...I've been busy working on cards for the World Card Making Day challenges all over the internet... I had so much fun making a big list of all them...then I think the list got recycled when we cleaned up the family room....so here is this cute card that I made for Challenge number two over at the Ellen Hutson blog:

this challenge was to make a holiday card...I used this cute stamp from Crafter's companion called The Present...isn't she adorable... I was lucky enough to attend a crop at the Ellen Hutson warehouse and learned some basics for Copic coloring from Ellen...I think my coloring is coming along nicely so far...

Happy crafting...Lynda

Halloween Wild Sprout

2011-09-29T19:23:00.000-07:00

I knew when I saw the Farm Fresh Friday challenge on The Greeting Farm challenge blog that I would have to pull out my cute stamps and create something fun...so I pulled out this cute Megan stamp and got busy. I made her hair green...and then colored her outfit to match this wonderful Nikki Silvis pattern paper. I cut out all the other bits from some of her pattern paper as well. I think it turned out cute...now I have to make another with orange hair for the other girlie in the house...since the one that came in my room first took off with the card...yikes!

Happy crafting....Lynda

An amazing giveaway

2011-09-29T10:53:00.001-07:00

The latest release in the S.W.A.L.K. collection is underway! This is release number four and these stamps are adorable!!! Each stamp is retailing at $9.95 each! For those of you who have to get them all, there is a bundle package that contains all six of the new release sets for $49.95 (saving yourself 16%). Also included in this bundle is a free 8 1/2 by 11 full color storage panel! Head on over to the Crafter's Compaion store to check out this sweet deal.

To celebrate this new launch, there an an awesome giveaway of the entire new release going on!!!

Head on over to the Crafter’s Companion Blog for the details on this amazing giveaway…best of luck to you!!! Hurry...winner will be announced on October 6th on the Crafter's Companion Blog!

Happy crafting….Lynda

Introducing the Popcorn Pals Collection

2011-09-18T14:45:00.001-07:00

Time to introduce you to the Popcorn Pals Collection!!! These are just the cutest stamps...I mean look at these sets:

The EZ Mount stamp sets retail at $12.95 each, but we are once again offering a great package deal if you purchase the entire collection. The bundle set includes all 4 stamp sets plus a free enclosed mini-binder and is priced at $49.95. (Total retail value is $60.75). You can view this darling, whimsical collection in our store here.

I created this card using the Special Day stamp set:

and if you missed it...there are more Popcorn the Bear stamps available NOW too!!! I was lucky enough to get this cute set:

and created this special card...which also features some of the amazing pattern paper that you can print using the Popcorn the Bear Birthday Collection CD Rom:

Be sure to check out all the latest new releases in the Crafter's Companion store here.

Happy crafting....Lynda

Copic markers, little dresses, and The Greeting Farm stamps...oh my...

2011-08-30T18:35:00.000-07:00

I went to the crop at the Ellen Hutson warehouse this weekend and had such a good time! I picked up a few stamps from the Greeting Farm and they are soooo adorable. I knew the girls would love them and they have both already colored in at least four or five of each girl I bought. I decided to participate in the Greeting Farm Fashionsita challenge...the challenge was to create a Farm Fashionista...anything goes as long as you use one of their images... so I stamped Fleur Anya and colored her in with my new copics...I think I did a good job for my first real girl using my full set of markers! I then stamped her little dress over and over again onto some Imaginesce pattern paper (from their Princess paper pad) I then pulled out my wire and created these cute hangers for the other outfits to hang on. Each dress is hanging from their hanger using Glue Dots mini-dots!! I added the brads to the card to act as nails for the hangers to hang from... the silver shiny paper was the perfect mirror for my card.

I am so happy with how it turned out...and now I have to make another...since they will fight over this one...

Happy crafting...Lynda

Bright and cheerful rainy day...

2011-08-29T07:43:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone and Happy Monday!!! Today I'm sharing my extra inspiration for the Crafter's Companion Challenge Blog. The challenge this month to create a Thank you project featuring a Crafter's Companion stamped image. With all the rain that has been in the weather lately I thought it only appropriate to create a Thank you Card that celebrates the rain:

My card features the adorable S.W.A.L.K. After the Rain stamp. I colored her with super bright colors to cheer up anyone on a rainy day!

I hope you'll pull out your Crafter's Companion stamps and create a special Thank you project and join in the fun. Remember to link your project up to the August Thank You post that can be found here for your chance to win the awesome prize up for grabs!

Happy crafting!! Lynda

Catching up and something fun

2011-08-27T20:09:00.000-07:00

I had such a great week. We took a fast trip to Portland...even took the dog! Then I got to go to a crop at Ellen Hutson's warehouse today! It was fun to see how she creates and talk to her about Copic marker techniques. I even walked out with a new marker collection!

While surfing the web this evening I found this amazing giveaway that I have to share with you:

Amy is giving away this awesome stack of 1000 sheets of 6x6 paper...and I would SO LOVE for it to be me. I have started to really love using these sized papers for all my cardmaking. So fingers crossed and if you win and will share...you can check out the giveaway here.

I did get one layout done at the crop...I'll have to post a picture later this week.

Happy crafting...Lynda

Recital layout

2011-08-19T10:08:00.000-07:00

I love taking pictures of my girls...and the dog.....she's a girl, so she could fall into the first category... When it came time for oldest to have her dance recital and I got my first look at her costume for the number they would be doing my heart skipped a beat... They were dancing to "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" by Cindy Lauper and the costume was Like So 80's!!! I knew immediately that we would have to do some special pictures on the day of the recital... we would have to go BIG with the hair...and really play up the theme...

I took some time to make her hair just so, "Not too big Mama"......added glitter and lots of sparkle to her hair and just a touch of makeup.... we then headed out to the back yard where the flowers were just starting to bloom and I have this cute bicycle planter that I knew would make the perfect prop for the shoot... She was such a good sport...letting me take picture after picture of her... When it was all done I had about ten really good shots that showcase her fantastic personality.

I have had this picture printed and in my room for awhile...not sure how I wanted to scrap it, but knowing it had to be done just so because it really had to make her image be the start.

I wanted to challenge myself to use supplies that have been in my room for a while. I started out with these cute Doodlebug pattern papers that were in my stash...had just some strips left, so that kind of determined the layout design... I backed the photo with some blue cardstock and used a Fiskars border punch to show off the pattern paper strips... These adorable blue Prima flowers were added to the page using some mini-Glue Dots adhesive; and the buttons too.... I added some paint areas and these rubons for the title. I am so happy with how the page turned out and it is a wonderful addition to her album.

I am submitting this layout into the Got Paint? challenge over on the Inspiration Emporium blog.
Be sure to dig around in your scrappy stash and see what you can find....what was old is now new again when you look around...

Happy crafting....Lynda

2011-08-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

Time to bring you another fun project you can make using the wonderful Fairyopolis TripleDisc Papercrafting CD Rom by Crafter’s Companion!!!

I first chose this beautiful fairy image from the CD and printed her onto white cardstock. The images come with various layers that you cut out and stack to achieve amazing dimension on your project. I used some wonderful Glue Dots adhesive mini-dots to adhere each layer onto the previous one. These dots are amazing because they go where you want them to and STAY PUT!!! Once all the layers were assembled, I used a glitter pen to add highlights to her wings and dress. I painted the canvas with a spatter background technique. I then backed the fairy image with two colors of cardstock.

I think the projects on the CD are amazing...the quality of the images are stunning and the things you can create with them are endless.... I have donated a complete CD ROM collection to the Charity Wings organization to auction off in support of the Acts of Simple Kindness organization. I am even paying the shipping cost to get this to you if you win!!!

Acts of Simple Kindness (ASK) is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization that helps kids of widows and widowers, under the age of 18, with grants so they may participate in programs in the areas of education, sports, music and the arts.

Please consider bidding on this auction item...or the many others that the Charity Wings organization has listed in support of this worthy cause.

Thank you for reading...happy crafting....Lynda

So cute...

2011-08-10T15:51:00.000-07:00

So...I was cleaning out my crafty room...putting all my stamps together, all my punches in one place...and it was so like Christmas all over again...seeing all these supplies that have been packed in boxes and bins for a long time...just waiting for the perfect project to put them to use... So...when I came across this cute fly free stamp set from Lawn Fawn I knew I had to create something fun with these sweet birds. I decided to also pull out these Maya Road trees that have been in my cabinet for a long time and get busy distressing all over the place. I also used my Martha fringe scissors; which have now been taken out to the kids craft table and I think everything that they create for the next week is going to be fringed...amazing how quickly they like something I have!!!

I am entering this card in the Lawnscaping Challenge #15; which is distressing. I distressed all the edges on the tree...using sand paper for the tree top and ink for the base. The clouds were distressed with ink as was the base of the card.

I hope this inspires you to dig through some of your forgotten supplies and get busy... I am going to try to only use things in my space for the next month...lets see how I do...

Happy crafting....Lynda

Envelobox winner

2011-08-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

Time to announce my winner of the Envelobox creator!!!

Congratulations to abusybee - DoubleClick Connections !!! You are the winner!!! Please leave me a comment with your contact information and we'll get your prize mailed out to you!!! (I have comment moderation on, so only I will be able to see your mailing information) You have until the 15th to contact me...

Thank you to everyone that participated...keep an eye on the Crafter's Companion blog for more exciting giveaways!

Happy crafting....Lynda

2011-08-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

It's my turn again on the Crafter's Companion blog today and I had the best time combining some of the amazing products that they manufacturer together. For my project this week, I used the newly released Paint Fusion Pansies stamp set.

I first created masks for each of the stamped images; to do this you stamp each flower and leaf onto post-it notes. Be sure that there is a part of each image that is on the sticky part of the paper. Then cut out each one. For this project, I stamped each flower twice and each leaf twice; to create a total of four masks. Stamp your first flower and cover it with the mask; then a leaf; covering the leaf with the mask; then continue until you have created a flower grouping that you are happy with.

I then used Prismacolor pencils to color in my images. I wanted to give my image a more realistic look, so I took my embossing tool from my Ultimate tool and distressed along each part of the flower using a swirling motion...this broke down the fibers of the paper a bit and allowed the image to curl a bit in places.

I then adhered my image to the pattern paper piece that I trimmed and rounded the corners on. I inked along the entire piece as well. I then decided to add these adorable Fairyopolis rubons to my card front. The sentiment was a bit too big as it was on the sheet, so I trimmed each word and put them on separately. These rubons are of an amazing quality that you are able to adapt them to any need; they won't tear or break apart! I then decided to add as much of that little fairy to the bottom as I could; adding a piece of scrap paper behind the pattern paper before I rubbed it on; so he fit my space just right.

Here is my finished card:

I hope you'll drop by the Crafter's Companion blog to be inspired by the fantastic projects created by their design team. And be sure to check out the store for more great products!!!

Happy Crafting...Lynda

Time for a new challenge at the Crafter's Companion challenge blog

2011-08-02T07:44:00.000-07:00

This month's challenge at the Crafter’s Companion challenge blog is to use a Crafter's Companion stamp and the theme "Thank You". You can make a card, gift, or any other project letting someone know you are thankful for them.

This month's fabulous prize is a CleverCut 5 in 1 Paper Trimmer.

The CleverCut is the amazing new 5-in-1 rotary paper trimmer from Crafter's Companion, which is perfect for use in all your paper crafting, card making and scrapbooking projects. What makes it so special? Well, for starters it has an extendable base plate which will allow you to trim letter size paper in both portrait and landscape. In fact, the trimmer supports paper up to 12" x 12" with markings now pre-printed in both inches and centimeters. The CleverCut has interchangeable rotary blades that you simply dial to select, which will allow you to cut not only straight lines, but also create perforated lines, waves and scores. Changing the blades takes only seconds with just a "flick" of your finger. There's also an integrated corner rounder which will add a touch of elegance to any papercraft project. This paper trimmer retails at $49.95.

Here is my card I made for the challenge...I used the adorable Humphrey's Best Friends stamp set. I adore these little elephant girls. I stamped each one onto pattern papers first; then cut out each outfit...notice the matching bow for the bear too... this is a great way to use paper scraps with your stamps and to create unique one of a kind greeting! Click on the card image below to get a close-up view of the outfits!

So be sure to pull out those Crafter's Companion stamps and create your one of a kind thank you greeting...and enter it in the contest this month. Be sure to check the official challenge blog post here for full challenge requirements.

Happy crafting...Lynda

Giveaway time!!!

2011-08-01T08:29:00.000-07:00

Have you checked out the Crafter's Companion challenge blog yet? If not...well this should be enough incentive to get over there and do so... Each design team member for the challenge blog has been given an Envelobox to give away...that's right...you could get your hands on this amazing tool for just being a follower of the Challenge blog and leaving a comment on this post here.

To increase your chances of winning become a fan of Crafter's Companion on Facebook; then come back and tell me you are....and then hop on over to each of the other challenge blog designer's blogs and leave them a comment to increase your chances to win. You can find a complete list of design team members on the Challenge blog.

This giveaway is open to US residents only.

This giveaway runs from August 1 - August 7th. I will pick a winner on August 8th!

What are you waiting for....hit the challenge blog and get your name in the hat to win this amazing tool!!!

Happy crafting....Lynda

Got Wings?

2011-07-31T15:13:00.000-07:00

A few years ago, I was selected as one of fifty ambassadors to travel to Texas to be trained as a Fiskateer. It was at this event that I first got to meet in person Elena; aka Princess Elena. Over the years I have watched and supported her as she has grown her charity from it's origin as Scrapbook Royalty to expand to also include Charity Wings.

This amazing organization pairs with charities from across the country to raise money through paper crafting events. She works tirelessly for the organizations that she supports and has a team of volunteers that donate their time to keep the charity working.

Just a few weeks ago, I was able to volunteer at the Scrapbook Expo in Puyallup at the Charity Wings make and take booth in support of Ovarian Cancer Research. I had such a great time getting to see Elena and my fellow Brave Girl Deana.

Straight from the Expo, she hopped on a plane and flew to Chicago to host a live video streamed event from CHA. She worked so hard to bring the floor of the show right to each event attendee. If you signed up to watch live you could also received a goody swag bag that was stuffed full of products from sponsors that donated them. These are amazing boxes...packed with awesome products that are from some of the best craft companies out there. There are still some goody bags left if you wanted to help support this wonderful organization.... you can find them here along with the list of contents...while you're there pick up a Got Wings tshirt too!

And...if that wasn't enough...there are a bunch of auctions that will be listed on Ebay to support the Acts of Simple Kindness (ASK) Non-Profit Organization that helps kids of widows and widowers, under the age of 18, with grants so they may participate in programs in the areas of education, sports, music and the arts.

If you have time please take a few moments and check out this amazing organization and the charity events they are sponsoring around the country this year. And if you see Princess Elena....tell her Lynda says hello!!!

Happy crafting....

More projects

2011-07-29T20:34:00.000-07:00

Somehow when I was posting my projects from the last few months I missed posting a few that were featured in the June/July issue of Ready Set Create magazine and a canvas that I just finished. Crafter's Companion was a sponsor for that issue and I created a few projects using the fantastic Fairyopolis CD Rom.

This project features the printable frame from the kit...and this beautiful fairy. I added some extra sparkle to her with lots of glitter pen work.

this next card is called a Pyramage; where each level is separately printed and cut out...then attached atop the other layers until the final image appears at the end. It is quite a process, but the final result is quite stunning:

next is the canvas I created based on the She Art concepts that I learned in the class taught by Christy Tomlinson. This is a birthday gift for my Mother-In-Law. She is an avid sailor and I hope she enjoys it as much as I enjoyed creating it for her. Both girls also painted canvases for her.

Here are two projects I created for Ready, Set, Create using the wonderful fabric flowers that we received from Um Wow...the first is a hair clip:

and a beautiful headband that I upcycled some twill on...this twill came from a package of washclothes that I bought on clearance at Target...gotta love a good deal and upcycling!

I'm working on a bunch of new projects that I hope to share with you soon. There is always something good happening in my crafty space...painting, stamping, scrapping...

Happy crafting....Lynda

It's time

2011-07-28T08:25:00.000-07:00

I think I need a crafty vacation...a get away...time to sit in the quiet...no kids....no dog...no husband... I think I found what I need...I need to win this trip to the Creative Connection event!!! I would only have to get my butt to St. Paul on September 15-17...perfect way to relax right before I have to do my jury duty thing the next week...yikes!!!

My birthday is right after this event is over, and I could not think of a better way to celebrate than to attend the BlogHer Handmade and The Creative Connection Event...can you??? So...fingers crossed (on both hands) that I can get my crafty on for a few days in September... :o)

Happy crafting....and pick me!! Lynda

Catching up for lost time

2011-07-09T04:00:00.000-07:00

So...I have been creating...really I have, but I haven't been able to share a lot on my blog...but now that I can...it's time for a catch up post...

I created this canvas which was seen in the June/July issue of Ready Set Create magazine; this canvas:

Paint by Crafter's Companion; Pattern paper by Echo Park; Rubons by Daisy D's, Basic Grey, Kaiser Crafts, Maya Road, Daisy D's and Jenni Bowlin; Stamp by Memory Box; Ink by Stazon; Template by Crafter's Workshop; Misc: bubble wrap, Pilot pen

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Pattern paper, stars, ticket, tag, and clip from Hydrangea Hippo; Stamp: Unity, ;computer generated title; Ink: Clearsnap Stamp: Crafter's Companion; Colored pencils Prismacolor; Markers Copic

Stamp: Tonja's treasures; Ink: Watermark Clearsnap; White Embossing Powder: Michaels; Rubon: Scrap EaseRubon: Autumn Leaves; Stamp: Tonja's Treasures; Flowers: Prima; Cardstock: Die Cuts with a View Ink: Clearsnap

Embossing folder: Cuttlebug;

Ink: Clearsnap; Stamps: Whimsy stamps; ; Pattern paper: Memory Box; Cardstock: Die Cuts with a ViewStamps: Crafter's Companion Paint Fusion Berries; Watercolor pencils; Prismacolor pencils.

I have a good number of items that will be on display at the Crafter's Companion booth at CHA in just a few weeks. It is exciting to think that my work will be displayed and inspire crafters from all over the world!!! So...if you are at CHA be sure to stop by the booth and looks for my projects!

As you can see...I've been busy...Happy crafting...Lynda

Flowers are coming up all over...

2011-07-08T20:44:00.000-07:00

Sheena Douglass has done it again with more amazing life like painting techniques with her latest releases. I was lucky enough to get the Tulip stamp set to play with. I live in the Pacific Northwest and go to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival each year where I get to experience some of the most beautiful flowers grown here in the US. I am always in awe of how each flower seems to look as if it were painted by hand....and these new Paint Fusion stamps and the included practice sheets make that possible.

For my card, I chose to use a red and an orange/yellow paint for my main flower colors. I first practiced the different leaves of the flower until I had mastered each one. I then put them all together to create my flower. I then use the practice sheet to learn to paint the leaves. The individual steps are so clearly outlined on the sheets that it makes learning to paint these flowers such an easy process.

I then attached my flower to a card base covered with some pattern paper; from Memory Box. I used a rubon from the Fairyopolis Cardmaking kit to finish off my card.

This month the challenge at the Crafter's Companion Challenge Blog is to create a card based on a Page Maps sketch. I used the flowers from the Butterfly Paint Fusion set for my card. I colored the image with Primacolor pencils; which I LOVE for shading and detailing. For a more lifelike look I added the Prima leaves behind my stamp images. The Pearlescent papers are awesome on a card; they add to much shine. The rubon was from my stash for the card sentiment.

I hope you'll take some time to create some cards this month and if you get time take the challenge and create something based on the sketch that can be found on the blog here.

Happy crafting....Lynda

It's almost time

2011-06-29T08:05:00.000-07:00

Yeah...blogger seems to be happy today...so lets see if we can get a post done quick before it changes it's mind again...

It's almost time to start seeing all the yummy goodies that companies will release at CHA. That means that those of us that design for manufacturers that will be at the show are busy making samples to be displayed at CHA in a few weeks....so I've been a busy girl... I can share with you a set of cards that were featured on the Crafter's Companion blog that will be on display at CHA...along with the Stationery holder box that I made using the new boxer boards for the Ultimate...

if you are at CHA...be sure to stop by the Crafter's Companion booth and say Hi to Bindy for me...and take a peek at the projects that are being shown...they will be amazing for sure...

Happy crafting....Lynda

School is almost out

2011-06-12T12:59:00.000-07:00

I still had a few projects to complete for school end of year thank you gifts and the girls and I got busy making cards and other trinkets. We made cards for teachers using our watercolor pencils and making some fun backgrounds:

and cards for friends....

all of the details can be found on the Crafter's Companion blog post here.

Here's to the sun actually making an appearance for our summer...fingers crossed!!!

Happy crafting....Lynda

Final days to get your entry in

2011-05-25T17:39:00.001-07:00

For the Crafter's Companion challenge blog challenge for May....

This month's challenge is to make something for a mother in your life. Not only will you have a chance to win an AWESOME prize package, you will have something to give to someone special on Mother's Day.

Here's what one lucky person will win this month:

Please note: We have changed our rules so that all entries must use a Crafter's Companion stamp to be elegible to win our monthly prize. We can't wait to see your Mother's Day cards and gifts! .

Here are some things to keep in mind:

* You may submit up to three projects.

** You may combine our challenge with other challenge blogs, but your post must contain our blog name and link back to us. If you do not have a blog, that's okay too. Just email Denise at lala3237 at verizon dot net with your creation and and the name of the Crafter's Companion Stamp you used.

*** Do you love Crafter's Companion products as much as we do? Become a guest design team member! We will announce a guest design team member every month. Simply put an asterick (*) next to your name when entering your submission into Inlinks below. The guest designer will be chosen randomly.

**** We would love to see everyones Crafter's Companion's creations, but at this time we can only ship to U.S. addresses. Our challenges are posted on the 1st of every month and will end at 12 a.m. PST on the last day of the month. A RANDOM winner will be chosen using a random number generator on the 2nd of each month.

So....be sure to link up your projects to the Crafter's Companion challenge blog post that can be found here....

Here is my card that I made for the challenge:

I used the SWALK You are my Sunshine stamp set; Mrs. Grossman Sticker, Prismacolor pencils, Copic markers, pattern paper by Memory Box, and DCWV cardstock.

Happy crafting....Lynda

More painting...crackle, crackle, crackle

2011-05-23T17:25:00.001-07:00

So...there maybe such a thing as too much of a good thing, but I don't think this crackle technique is one of those things...since I seem to be doing it on all my projects now... For this project I received this great Recycled six drawer stack and it will be the perfect addition to my craft table for storing all my fun embellishments.

For my project I first painted the entire surface with Rose Acrylic Paint; then crackled the surface using Butternut as the top color. I also combined in the paint peeling technique that can be found on the Paint Fusion DVD, so my piece looks really weathered. I then pulled out the Paint Fusion Daisy stamp set and stamped a few of the flowers onto cardstock. Once these were painted I cut them out. I used Moss and Zucchini colored acrylic paints to paint my leaves and stems onto the crackled surface. I then added the cutout daisies to my project.

I hope you'll stop by the Crafter's Companion store and check out all their alterable items...and be sure to stop by their blog to see all the great projects the designers are creating using the amazing Crafter's Companion tools!!!

Happy crafting....Lynda

If you like to paint...even if you don't...you'll LOVE Sheena Douglass' Paint Fusion!!

2011-05-04T09:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday everyone! Today is my day over at the Crafter's Companion blog....and I get the chance to tell you that the new Sheena Douglass Paint Fusion products are amazing!!! She has made creating beautiful hand painted projects so easy with her two part painting system. Stamps that outline the images and painting strokes that allow you to easily put the paint right where it needs to be. The practice sheets included in each stamp set are perfect for getting your brush strokes just right.

I could not wait to get started when I opened my box. I used the practice sheets over and over again so I had my brush just right and practiced mixing and blending the paint colors just so. The techniques that Sheena shows you will allow you to easily combine paint colors to create highlights and lowlights just where they should be on flowers and leaves of all types.

For my card, I first created a crackle background using the technique described in the Paint Fusion DVD. I love this look and can see myself using it a lot on cards and other projects.

I then stamped the daisy flowers onto white cardstock and painted them in a white and light blue blend of color. I then added extra details to the center of each flower using other paint. I then used two shades of green paint to create my leaves on the same cardstock.

I then cut out all my painted images. I used the same green paint to paint the stems for my flowers and mounted everything to my card front. The sentiment for my card is from the wonderful rubons included in the Fairyopolis card making kit!

If you are a technique lover like I am, you are sure to find the new Paint Fusion system fantastic!!! I hope you'll continue to stop by the Crafter's Companion blog and check out the other fabulous ideas that the design team has for you using this amazing new system.

Happy crafting....Lynda

Paper Patch Crafts has Echo Park's For the Record Line

2011-04-25T10:17:00.000-07:00

You can find the latest Echo Park line For the Record in the Paper Patch crafts store right here... and here are a few projects I created using items from the line...

For this first layout I backed my photo with the solid red/cream paper first. I then mounted the photo onto the Stamp of approval pattern paper. I then added one of the wonderful Noteworthy journaling cards, title done with the alphabet stickers, a few of these cute word cardstock stickers and this wonderful bird cardstock element sticker.

for my next layout I started with yellow backside of the Lace Stripes paper and added my photo that I printed 8x10. I decided to use some of the wonderful borders from this line as well...cutting two of them and adding one on top of the bottom of my photo and one just below the photo. Some additional cardstock element stickers; a few strips of the black and white polkadot pattern on the back of the picket fence pattern paper and one of journaling blocks from the Noteworthy paper. The title is made from the alphabet stickers.

I hope you will stop by the store and check out the Paper Patch Crafts Facebook fan page to check out everything that is going on. Also, be sure to check out the Paper Patch Crafts blog...there are always fantastic projects and contests going on there.

Happy crafting....Lynda

Whew...taking a deep breathe....

2011-04-21T15:23:00.000-07:00

It has been a wicked busy week. The family and I went to Disneyland on vacation...we got back on Sunday and it has been non-stop time at the school.... I am designing the set for the first grade musical and it is a LOT of work...on top of that I am doing a bunch of art projects with the kiddos in the first grade and then there is my time with the third grade class...

I really wouldn't have it any other way as the teachers really need the help and any chance I get to do art makes my heart happy....so as I sit here with watercolor stained fingers and type this message I am smiling because there are now 24 watercolored coffee filter butterflies floating in the classroom in celebration of Spring and Earth day!!!

Now...I've also been busy with designing things...I entered a contest; a Zentagle contest...having never done one of these fancy doodles before I was a bit intimidated by the idea, but decided you can't win if you don't enter...so here was my first Zentagle...will find out next week if I win a prize:

and then there are projects that use the new ever delish Fairytopolis line just released by Crafters Companion...I shared this card on their blog this week:

I have a few other projects that are ready to photograph for Paper Patch Crafts as well...you'll be seeing those in the next few days...

Don't forget my blog candy post...follow the instructions and you could win some goodies!!

Happy crafting....Lynda

Holy bottle caps batman!!!

2011-04-11T11:15:00.000-07:00

So...when I got my design team kit for the month from Paper Patch Crafts I was more than a bit intimidated by the Maya Road Jumbo Bottle Caps that were in my box...

what to do...what to do...what to do with them...for a week I have pondered, sketched, even smushed one with my Sizzix to see how it looked flattened out (think car hub cap)

I decided to pull out my Alcohol inks and make each bottle cap a different color. So...one is Pesto, Denim, Caramel, and Raisin.... Then I added a circle cut from the green solid paper from the Echo Park For the Record line...a few of the Cardstock stickers from the Echo Park For the Record line, letters and words from the same Echo Park For the Record line....a rose from some Maya Road Roses Ribbon, and a Kaiser Crafts butterfly... and here we go...

I tied the bottle caps together with some jute....holes were punched into each one with my Cropadile... Printed pictures of my girlies and trimmed them into circle shapes...

I hope you'll stop by the Paper Patch Crafts store and take a look at the full line of Maya Road, Echo Park and Kaiser Crafts items that are in stock and ready for you!!!

Happy crafting....Lynda

It's my day....

2011-04-06T08:10:00.000-07:00

Today is my day to post at the Crafter's Companion blog!!! I loved this stamp set when I got it..living in the Pacific Northwest we get a LOT of rain, so perfect for all the greetings sent from our house for sure!!!

be sure to check out the blog and see all the examples made by the design team using the SWALK line of stamps....there is a new release about to come out...so if you like these, I know you are going to LOVE the new ones too...sneak peek on the Crafter's Companion blog.

Happy crafting....Lynda

More April Paper Lovelies projects

2011-04-04T08:26:00.000-07:00

The April kit from Paper Lovelies is just amazing...stuffed full of goodness... I had a great time creating some additional items using the kit and have a TON left for even more projects...

I used the Graphic 45 staples Kraft envelope album from the kit, the beautiful pattern paper and that delish Prima flower to create this cute mini-album for our Disney memorabilia.

the kit comes with this beautiful pink rose ribbon...I cut off three blooms and added them to this card for extra details and dimension:

this card features some of the beautiful coordinated pattern papers, the wonderful Prima flower, and the Jillibean Soup corrugated letters:

and finally....I used a bunch of the paper scraps to create this card; using my Spellbinders die and lots of ink...
be sure to check out Carrie's kits...they are stuffed full of beautiful products and a totally steal at $15.00!!!

Happy crafting....Lynda

Time for some Crafters Companion Blog Candy!!!

2011-04-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

I am so very excited to be part of the new Crafter's Companion design team! To celebrate the launch of the design team and the projects that will be showcased on the Crafter's Companion blog....each of the new design team members is giving away some wonderful blog candy!!!
My blog candy consists of:

this fabulous S.w.a.l.k. After the Rain stamp set

an Extra Stong Permanent Tape Runner:

and if that wasn't enough....a set of four Rock-a-blocks:

What do you need to do to win this? You just need to

1. Be a follower of Crafter's Companion USA Information blog and
2. Post or put on your sidebar a picture of one of the Design Team's giveaway on your blog or facebook page and link it back to Crafter's Companion USA Information blog.

Once you have done this, simply leave me a comment with the link to your blog or facebook page below.

Be sure to visit each Design Team member's blog and leave them a comment too.......each of us has unique blog candy that you can win!!! The giveaway will run from April 1st to April 30th. The winners will be posted on our blogs May 5th. US Residents only please.

Be sure to check out what the other designers are giving away...here are the links to make your trip a bit easier:

1. Amy's Blog

2. Carmi's Blog (her blog candy is open to Canadian residents only)

3. Holley's Blog

4. Denise's Blog

5. Katrina's Blog

6. Lynda's blog - You're here now!!!

7. Stacy's blog

8. Ann's Blog

9. Jinky's blog -she's doing a different Crafter's Companion blog candy giveaway, but heck...who doesn't want some goodies....

Happy Crafting!!!! Lynda

P.S. If you're still with me....and I thank you for sticking it out...you may want to check out the new Crafter's Companion Challenge blog that officially launches today!!! You can get in on your chance to pick up this amazing prize package:

This month we have an AMAZING prize! One lucky winner will win the Fairyopolis Complete Cardmaking Kit, Fairyopolis Triple Disc CD SET full of amazing digital stamps and paper, and ALL FOUR of our Fairyopolis Clear Stamp Sets!!!!!! THIS PACKAGE IS WORTH $109.70!!! Look for all the details for this month's challenge on the blog!!!

Oh so lovely...it's the April kit from Paper Lovelies

2011-03-25T13:20:00.001-07:00

I was asked to be a guest designer for April for Paper Lovelies and I was so excited to get my kit. This thing is STUFFED full of goodness.... I mean look at all you get...

Graphic 45 - Once Upon A Springtime:

10 12x12 double sided papers
1 12x12 sheet 2 coordinating die cuts
1 pink rose ribbon
1 Graphic 45 staples Kraft envelope album
1 Jillibean Soup corrugated kraft alphas - 87 pieces
1 pack Prima flowers

for only $15!!!

Totally delish!!! I knew immediately that I wanted to create a canvas using the fantastic Graphic 45 paper from the kit... I used a bunch of the techniques I learned in the She Art class I am taking to create this piece:

I have a few other things that I am working on using the kit...so be sure to check back here and on the Paper Lovelies website for more ideas using this fabulous kit!!!

Happy crafting....Lynda

P.S. Christy Tomlinson who is the creator of the She Art Workshop is hosting her original She Art class again starting April 11......so if you missed it RUN...or click and be sure to sign up!!! Don't be fooled by other canvas creation classes.....this is THE ONE you want to take!

p.p.s. Christy is starting a new journaling workshop called She Had Three Hearts...it's a journaling workshop that is sure to be amazing!!!

Happy Birthday Bayley

2011-03-08T20:44:00.001-08:00

I'm not too proud to admit when I am wrong......and I have to admit that having a dog has been a lot of fun. I always considered myself more of a cat person...they are more independent...they kind of just stay where you put them (okay...where they want to be)... and I was okay with that. I didn't really want a dog...it was going to be like having another kid in the house...a lot of work and did I mention the work??? So...here we are...we've had this little bundle in our home since August and I have to say that I may have been wrong...she sure is sweet...and a LOT of work, but she has learned to just sit behind me in my big craft room chair and just snuggle in...so we are coming to a working relationship...

She turns one today...and I don't think she could be any cuter...

Happy Birthday Bayley...I hope you enjoyed your special dinner tonight (we gave her some can food) and your beef rib bone that you got this morning... you sure have made these little girlies of mine happy!

and thanks for keeping my back warm in my craft room...Happy Crafting....Lynda

Oh yeah....she's Crafty...well...she's a Crafter's Companion girl!!

2011-03-04T14:03:00.000-08:00

I have been feeling like a kid the night before Christmas for the past couple days as I have been BUSTING to share some fantastic news with everyone.... I was asked to join the design team for Crafter's Companion!!!

You can check out their website here and their blog here... you'll be seeing my work featured twice a month on their blog!!!

Happy crafting....Lynda

She Art Workshop beauty

2011-03-01T10:24:00.000-08:00

I am LOVING the She Art workshop that I am taking...I watched all the videos yesterday and got started on my first girl... it was super late last night when I was putting the finishing touches on her...then made a mistake...so decided to sleep on it and find a solution... a mind at rest sure does come up with good ideas...so here she is...all done and ready to hang!!

Her base is a 6x12 canvas. I covered it with some old pattern pieces, some old journal pieces, torn sheets from a book. I then painted over the top with some yummy greens, browns, and creams... I then created her using dictionary pages and some delish October Afternoon pattern papers... I then painted her hair and went to town adding all the details. There are TONS of stamps used on this...Memory Box stamps; an older Judi Kins stamp from my collection...bubble wrap...saran wrap...rubons from my drawer (Bo Bunny, Basic Grey, Delish)... I then went over everything with doodling pens and my white sharpie...

Happy crafting....Lynda

Time to get back into crafting!

2011-02-27T14:22:00.001-08:00

Now that the Valentine season is behind us., late winter break from school is over, and the snow is melting with the warmer weather (aka rain here in the Seattle area)... I can get back to my regular crafting schedule!!! I decided to first tackle the room cleanup...never fun to hit your studio space and you can't find anything...so I spent a few days putting things where they would be easier for me to get to them. I flip flopped the ribbon with my paints since I've been painting more lately...and I am starting the She Art online class tomorrow, so I knew I would be pulling out all my extra canvas use supplies a lot more in the next three weeks.

Once most of the room was cleaned up I decided to make something cute and fun...I picked up this cute stamp by We R Memory Keepers a few weeks ago and decided to stamp her and use some Polar White Flower Soft to make her fluffy. I created the background using watercolor pencils. I also used some Sweet Pea Flower Soft for making the little flowers on the card. The sentiment is from Stampendous.

I can't wait for the She Art workshop to start tomorrow... Christy was so generous and invited me to be a guest in her class... I can not wait to learn her secrets to creating her canvas treasures. I have been picking up little bits of this and that for a while now, so it will be so much fun to put all those little pieces to work.

Happy crafting!!! Lynda

BTW: if you have a chance be sure to drop by this fabulous blog for some incredible eye candy and a chance to win a spot in her giveaway... not that you need incentive once you get there you'll get lost in all the inspiration...I know I did!!!

Sweet Valentines wishes

2011-02-14T15:44:00.000-08:00

Today was the big party at the school for the first graders...I got there and found that my memory card for my camera was at home...geessh...so at least I took a couple pictures with my phone...(and good thing the yearbook photographer for the class came and was all snap happy!)

I took a large piece of pink butcher paper and taped it above the door...I then took scissors and cut upwards to make strips...the kids were so excited when they came back from lunch and had to walk through the curtain and into the classroom...I hung two balloons above each table group...

here are the mobiles we made last week...they are super glittery and the carpet shimmers below them from all the extra that has fallen off...

and last, but certainly not least are the mailboxes...all 26 of them by the time I was done...whew...they were a huge hit with the kiddos and it was fun to watch each one of them walk up and deliver their Valentines!

It was a great party...the kiddos loved decorating more valentines and putting frosting and sprinkles onto a sugar cookie (and I'm glad I made extra cookies since at least two boys dropped theirs...yikes)

Happy Valentines day to everyone...show someone you love them today....

Happy crafting...Lynda

A hat for a sweet girl

2011-02-13T19:33:00.000-08:00

So...I've been making hats a lot lately....these are totally fun to make...and even more fun to give as a gift.... for this hat I made a cute flower in a contrasting color...she LOVES it...and I think she is just the cutest hat model ever!!!

I have been so busy with preparations for the first grade Valentines party the past week, that I have hardly had time to do anything else. We made heart mobiles on Thursday last week and had a complete glitter fest in the hall outside the classroom. I then hung them all near the window so they would twirl in the sunlight...the whole room looks magical just with that one project.

For the party we are going to decorate cookies (which I baked with kiddo help yesterday), make Valentines, play bingo, play a word memory game, and make these cute short pencil heart people. I also have a necklace and bookmark project that they will complete. I had my kiddos help prep the rest of the things today. I had parents send me a special valentine note for their student and I added them to special Valentines that I will stick in their mailboxes when they aren't looking...I thought it would be sweet to get a special Valentine from their family at school.

I hope all goes as planned tomorrow...whew I think I'll need a nap when it's all done....but I wouldn't have it any other way...they are only 6 once and Valentines is still so fun for them all.

Happy crafting...Lynda

Be Mine and some new techniques

2011-01-31T19:47:00.000-08:00

I was lucky enough to win a 3 month subscription to the classes at Stash to Treasure this month and one of the classes is called Take Six and there are so many fun techniques packed into this class that it is hard to pick which ones to try next...for my layout I used a piece of the Echo Park Be Mine paper (I have all of three sheets that I could find locally) for my base; spraying it will some Cotton Candy Spritz spray and destressing the edges. I then made these flowers from pieces of the other two pattern papers. I used my Fiskars edge punch to create the strips that put below my photo...punched out a few more flowers from the paper and added lots of pearls here and there to complete the look. I also drew the frame around the photo just like Jamie showcased in her class. I am so happy with how the layout turned out...and dd has taken it to her room where it sits on her dresser!

I am so happy that I was able to showcase this photo that I took of her after the Nutcraker show she danced in at Christmas. Be sure to check out all the classes at Stash to Treasure...Pinky is having a great clock class in a few weeks that I'm sure will be amazing!!!

Happy crafting....Lynda

A few new cards and a Brave Girl hat

2011-01-26T14:37:00.000-08:00

So...lately I have been working on some projects that I can't share just yet...which is kind of a bummer, but exciting at the same time...

I can share a few cards I have made...

this one was for Georgia...who fell and broke her leg....she is such a wonderful spirit that I had to create something that reminded her of her brave girl self:

and this cute hat I made for my secret Brave Girl sister Jamie:

that is the first little flower that I have attempted...I think it turned out sooo cute... I may have to make a bunch of them and put them in my Etsy store that is still unfinished...ugh!!!

Happy crafting....Lynda

Another canvas

2011-01-19T14:33:00.000-08:00

I completed another canvas...this one is for my oldest...I used some older Basic Grey patern papers that I have had in my stash for the longest time...they were perfect...These are some Bo Bunny rubons that I have had forever too...

I wasnt' sure when I started what I wanted to create...so I just started putting paper to the canvas...lots of Mod Podge... and when I looked down the piece at the top was curved like a shirt and I immediately knew I wanted to create a dancer canvas... I then set about to creat the skirt...making layer after layer using the pattern paper...and then the daunting task of her arms and legs...many "not so good" pairs of both were created before I settled for this set... the title rubon "Beauty Awakens the soul" is from Fancy Pants...it was the perfect finishing touch...

she loves it...and just ran to her room to determine exactly where it needs to be hung...looks like I'll be pounding a bit before I take her to dance class today...

Happy crafting...Lynda

A couple cards and restoring my soul

2011-01-17T11:52:00.001-08:00

I've been playing a bit this week in my craft room...I've been playing with the remaining scraps from the January kit from Birds of a Feather... I created a few cards:

for this last one I used the chipboard watch and popped it up using some Helmar zap dots...I think it looks fun!

I've been working on the Soul Restoration online course curriculum this week as well. This course is all about restoring yourself to your true self. It is an amazingly inspiring class that really forces you to slow down, examine, and identify what matters most to you. I was fortunate to go to Brave Girl Camp in October, so I have a head start on this since that was a lot of the same soul searching... I am so looking forward to the next five weeks' topics... I have always felt that I am a work in progress and this course reminds me to always be on the lookout for areas to grow!!

Part of the fun that this class brings is the creative aspect of it... so I got to pull out my paints and Mod Podge and get busy... I will share two pieces with you...the first is what is called your "soul house" ....I really enjoyed creating this... I used some Maya Road chipboard and just kind of went to town...I painted the entire background and then all the pieces except the tree top; which I chose to use some wonderful pattern paper that was a perfect match in color...

next is my truthteller page...again I dug deep into my paints and worked to create a texture and pattern that would not distract from the words on the page, but would add depth and allow all the elements I selected to work together on the pages.

Melody and Kathy will be offering Soul Restoration one again in April...and part two will be held in June...if you have the opportunity I would highly recommend that you take time for yourself and sign up...you won't regret the investment in yourself... restore your soul and empower your spirit to soar again!!

Happy crafting...Lynda

Inspired by typewriters

2011-01-09T20:49:00.000-08:00

So...there was a challenge earlier this week at the Stash to Treasure website to post an image of a typewriter....there were some many fun images shared that it inspired me to make this card showcasing the awesome Cosmo Cricket Circa 1934 paper from the Birds of a Feather January kit...I cut the circle letters from the pattern paper; popped them up with foam and covered them with glossy accents so they are shiny like real typewriter keys are...

Be sure to check out the kit!!!

Happy crafting....Lynda

Project reveal at Birds of a Feather

2011-01-02T13:59:00.000-08:00

I was lucky to be a guest designer for January at Birds of a Feather and was given this delish kit to play with...

I already shared the canvas that I made using the kit...well here are the other projects I completed...I have a few more cards to post in a bit using the kit too...

Life is Beautiful layout

4 + 1 = 5 layout

A day in my life mini-album/book

Bad to the bone layout

This is a fantastic kit to create with...the colors are wonderful for so many types of projects... be sure to check out the gallery for other projects created with the kit!

Happy crafting...

Lynda

Creating makes me happy

2010-12-30T19:44:00.000-08:00

I have been having so much fun creating with the January kit from Birds of a Feather. I decided to use some of the paper from the kit to create a canvas piece and I am thrilled with how it turned out.

I stared out with a blank thin 8x10 canvas. I put Mod Podge down and then tore the paper and layered it ontop. I then used the black paint dauber from the kit and a yellow/golden dauber from my stash to add some extra color to the pattern paper and make it kind of look older...

I used the bubblewrap that was wrapped around the paint dauber to make the cool black dot pattern on the piece...love how that looked...

I then cut the flowers freehand from the pattern paper and used the same black ink to edge the petals. I cut the black stem using my Circut and added it to the base of the flowers; and added the extra pieces around the flowers for fun details.
I then used my Stazon ink to stamp this great stamp from the Unity Stamp cobranded Melody Ross She Sprouted Wings set onto the canvas. I used some post it notes to block some of the image in places and randomly inked/stamped the image all around the canvas.
I finished it off with more paint along the edge... here it is and some closeup shots:

I have to say that creating canvas art is one of the most relaxing things... if you don't like part of it, just put more Mod Podge down and keep layering! I hope this inspires you to pick up a canvas and give it a try....Mod Podge rocks and you never know what beautiful piece you will create until you give it a try!!!

Happy crafting....Lynda

(I'll be back tomorrow with the rest of my kit projects....had to share this one first)

Holiday table decoration

2010-12-24T05:52:00.000-08:00

So...I created this cute table top tree as a centerpiece for the holiday...

I started with a foam cone shape. I used Helmar 450 liquid glue to attach strips of pattern paper to the tree; using Wintertime from Echo Park; and topped the tree with one of the cardstock stickers that I backed with cardstock and put onto a toothpick. It looks so cute on our table.

I hope you have a wonderful magical holiday!!!

Happy crafting...Lynda

Guest design work, a few layouts, and some holiday ornaments

2010-12-23T19:26:00.000-08:00

I have been working on some projects using the January 2011 kit from Birds of a Feather. I am so excited to be a guest designer there next month....

Just look at this kit:

Cosmo Cricket “Circa 1934” Collection

Double-sided Patterned Papers:
2 Sheets “Ginger”
2 Sheets “Chaplin”
2 Sheets “Bette”

1 package 12x12 “Ready Set Chip” self-adhesive chipboard pieces

Jenni Bowlin Studios “Family Tree” Collection
1 Sheet “Aunt Charlotte”
1 Sheet “Aunt Grace”

Jenni Bowlin Studios
1 Sheet Cardstock Alpha Stickers – Black Ledger
1 Sheet Numbered Die-cut Label paper
1 Acrylic Paint Dabber – Fountain Pen

Prima Marketing, Inc.
1 “Voila” Felt Swirly frame
1 package “Say It In Pearls” Corner - black

Maya Road
1 package Trinket Ruffle Blossoms – Cream & Golden Yellow
2 ft Grosgrain Pleated Ribbon - black

Cascata Textured Cardstock
2 Sheets - Tobacco
2 Sheets - Black

I can't share what I made with the kit just yet...but I can tell you that it is fantastic to work with...the extras that you can order are fantastic to...be sure to drop in the site and take a peek at all the goodies Amy has put together this month!

I can share a few layouts that I have made recently:

this one features all Echo Park papers...LOVE Echo Park!!!

and this one features some wonderful Sweetwater paper that I have had in my stash for a long time:

The new medicine is helping...no more pneumonia...whew!! I now just have inflamed lungs from all the coughing...so the new round of meds should have me back to new shortly...and just in time!!!

Even though I was ill I still did manage to get all my holiday cards made and out the door...this means over 100 cards...whew!!!

I also had my second post at the Helmar Blog for the other ornaments I made...here are the pictures of the final ornaments...you can see all the details and instructions on the Helmar blog.

Happy holidays and happy crafting....Lynda

Don't be blue

2010-12-15T13:47:00.000-08:00

So...this week at iCopic Lover they are having a color challenge that features blues (dark, light, and then white)....and I needed a project for oldest dd and I to do together and also needed a few nore holiday cards, so we decided to take the challenge together.

Here is my card featuring a Penny Black image and colored with Copics and Prismacolor markers. I also used my cuttlebug swiss dots embossing folder. I colored her in and then added the white fun flock to her dress so it's puffy...then layered her onto two pieces of cardstock that are in shades of blue that had been embossed. I think she turned out sweet...

For her card she used a Penny Black stamp. She stamped and I heat embossed the image onto the white cardstock. She started with a Copic for her first layer of color and then added more color with a colorbox inkpad. She wiped the inks off the embossed image to reveal the white shiny surface. She then picked a scrap of DCWV cardstock and Memory Box pattern paper to layer on her card. She also edged the card with a Copic as well.

I think she is becoming quite the stamper....

I have done a few more projects, but they are for assignments, so I can't share them just yet... you might want to watch the Helmar blog later this week though...never know who's project might just show up there...

At the end of my meds for the pneumonia...not back to 100% yet, but everyone keeps telling me to take it slow and let my body just heal....so I'm going to just take it slow...and try to not get annoyed by how tired I am still feeling...

Happy crafting....Lynda

It's guest designer time...and an update

2010-12-10T09:59:00.000-08:00

So sorry I haven't been posting on my blog much at all lately...we have been passing around a terrible case of bronchitis around the family and it finally hit me...mine of course developed into pneumonia...so I've been a bit under the weather and pretty much pooped out lately...

I did get some projects done and had to wait to share them because they are for some guest design spots...here is the first that I can share...

Today I am the guest designer at the Helmar blog!!! So excited to be sharing a few adhesive projects...

A common saying here in our house is "give it to Mama...she can fix it" and I find myself reaching for Helmar adhesives for a LOT of my rescue projects. Most recently the new puppy decided to play with a stuffed animal and her eye came out...Helmar to the rescue...the next morning the black and white puppy was good as new thanks to Helmar's gemstone glue!

Here is what he looked like before his Helmar repair....and after!!

Thank you Helmar for coming to the rescue!!!

Tis the season to start making gifts and each year I try and come up with new ideas for teacher gifts that the girls and I can make together. This year we decided to make ornaments.

I picked up some paper mache ornaments for $.89 at the local craft store. I gathered my supplies, my Helmar Acid free glue, paintbrush, glitter, and tray to catch the glitter.

I first squeeze some of the glue out onto a piece of cardboard. I then paint the glue onto the ornament.

Once the entire surface is covered dump your desired glitter color onto the glue; carefully tapping off the excess. Wait for each color to dry completely before moving to the next color. For my ornament I used pink, green, and yellow glitter.

These make great gifts for the holidays and are great kid projects!

I hope you have enjoyed this holiday ornament idea....you never know...there may be another idea that shows up on the Helmar blog later this month by me??? :o)

Happy crafting....Lynda

Words of kindness as expressed from two bright souls

2010-11-30T16:30:00.000-08:00

I took the girls on Sunday for their picture with Santa like we do each year....this year would be a bit different.

I had printed these wonderful words of kindness from the Brave Girls blog and cut them apart...while we were out we were going to share this messages of joy and hope with some people we came across during our travels.

On the ride there my oldest read each saying. She wasn't really sure what we were doing...she kept asking me if people would look at her weird and why would she want to do this...we talked about how nice it is when someone says something nice to you; how it makes you feel good; or like my first grader says because of her amazing teacher "it fills your bucket".

We talked about how fortunate we are that we know we are loved by eachother and that we say thank you for all the things we have each day and that there are so many others that may not have someone to say a kind word to them or "fill their bucket" each day and that they could be just that person today...with this tiny piece of paper... they started to get it.....they continued reading all the strips and sorted them between the two of them into their favorites piles....they each picked their favorite that they wanted to give to Santa as well...

we stopped in the parking lot and I took their picture with their favorite strip:

Santa really liked his messages of kindness. The helpers even put them in his mailbox so he could have them later... we then headed out into the mall to find other that looked like they could use a pick me up...the mall we were at is very close to a senior center, so we made a lot of sweet folks very happy on Sunday... we found this super sweet clerk at Joanne's and she was so touched:

these two nice ladies were behind us in line and the girls thought they needed to be on the action:

and then my youngest (who was so afraid of talking to people at first when we started this) decided that this sweet man looked like he could use some kind words...so she ran and gave him one too...

by the end of our outting we had gotten our picture taken with Santa, each selected a new ornament to place on our tree, left some words of kindness in some random places around the mall (such as on the shelf and in a few baskets) and shared some very special moments with some random individuals. The girls want to print more and take them with us on our outting on Thursday...

I say to you that even small acts of kindness matter. It makes me smile so big when I think about my girls running after people at the mall to give them some words of kindness...and the idea that whoever was driving the car that was parked next to mine found some sweet words tucked into their door handle.... it may have been the nicest thing that person had heard all day.

I encourage you to go here and print out a set....will certainly change the way you look at things...

I have been doing a little crafting around our entire house being ill with sinus issues...I made these two layouts for the November challenges over at Birds of a Feather:

I am trying out to be their guest designer for January...fingers crossed for me...

Happy crafting...Lynda

Yikes...playing catch up because of this icky cold/flu thing

2010-11-19T16:18:00.000-08:00

So...we've been passing around this cough cold/flu thing between all of us this week...had one home from school one day even...so kind of lost track of blog posting, but did take a few pictures and wrote in my journal about my item of gratitude for each day...so here's my recap:

Monday - day fifteen

Monday I was grateful for living so close to the doctors office....not having to travel far when I have a sick kiddo makes me very happy. I am grateful that our doctors take the time to talk to the kid as well as the parent and that it is just a virus that she has...nothing in her lungs at this point! Yeah

Tuesday - day sixteen

Today I am grateful that we have this crazy dog that seems to know just when to act silly to make me smile...like when she lays down like a fish:

Wednesday - day seventeen

Today I am grateful that my oldest dd loves to dance as much as she does and that I was able to take these pictures of her dressed for her performance in a few weeks...and we also had our holiday photos taken today...so lots of great pictures all around today:

and the crazy outtakes:

Thursday - day eighteen
Today I am grateful for volunteering in the classrooms with the girls. To get to spend time with the kiddos and meet their friends is awesome!!!

Friday - day nineteen
Today I am grateful for being able to get busy on our holiday cards...made some of these two types...we have about 5 different types that we are making this year...so we don't get bored coloring them all in...

What have you been grateful for this week?????

Happy crafting...Lynda (we're on snow watch...which means it won't snow, but we can still make hot cocoa and look out the window a LOT!)

Day fourteen...where ya been???

2010-11-14T20:40:00.000-08:00

So...today is day fourteen of the gratitude challenge...thinking about what to select for my day today was hard...there are so many things that have made my day fantastic today...

I took oldest to the Impress stamp store...we picked up a few new things to play with and use for our holiday cards....youngest had a great time at horseback riding lessons...dh watched the Seahawks win....had leftover burrito thingies for dinner... but I think I'll pick this as my thing that I am grateful for today...

the time on this clock means that the girls are tucked in for the night....it means that dh and I now have some quiet time for just us...I am ever so grateful to have found just the clock that I wanted for our fireplace downstairs...the girls can't tell me they can't see it...or tell what time it is...this thing is HUGE...and I love it...

So...based on the time...I'm logging off for the night...

Thirteen...lucky number?

2010-11-13T18:32:00.000-08:00

Today I met a goal for this week that I set last Sunday...to make a new recipe this week. I made these individual little chicken pot pies for lunch today and they were oh so good....you make the insides and use flaky puff pastry to make little pockets...they are good tasting and cute...

so, today I am grateful for this yummo recipe book and finding some great new things to try that the kids will actually eat... this week I'm tring the parmesan chicken dippers...going to substitute the tomato sause for some pizza sause and see what the kiddos think about it with motzarella sticks and a salad for dinner... sounds yummy to me...

What are you grateful for today???

Day twelve

2010-11-12T20:16:00.000-08:00

Today I am grateful to be able to do fun things with the girls...like facials...

Half the fun of having an evening of beauty is being uber goofy when you have gook on your face...at least that is what I'm telling the girls and they are buying it...check out these hams:

today I am grateful to have these two crazies go along with me when I suggest these types of crazy things...that they can make silly goofy faces that always make me smile, and I am most grateful that they call me Mama.... I am blessed twice over!!!

What are you grateful for today?

Day eleven

2010-11-11T23:06:00.000-08:00

So...today is veterans day and we are lucky to be going to lunch with my dh and his coworker who is also a veteran. The girls are so excited and you can only imagine how happy they were when the baloon guy came by our table....

Little Miss wanted a butterfly and the Princess wanted a ballerina... this guy was good with making these things...and I was grateful that we could spend time with our favorite guy and remember those that have served... the entire restaraunt was full of veterans...Applebees does a free meal for vets on this day...what a wonderful thing for them to do. They moved to the top of my where to eat when we go out because of this gesture.

What are you grateful for today???

Have a wonderful day...Lynda

Day ten

2010-11-10T19:57:00.000-08:00

Today the school had a big assembly to honor the veterans of our community and the girls were super excited to have their Papa come to school... He went to the first grade class and talked to them about his service career...just look at how thrilled she was to have him in her class...

today I am grateful that my girls have this wonderful man as their father. I am grateful that he served our country for twenty years in the Navy and safely retired. I am grateful that the school took the time to celebrate and honor our veterans.

What are you grateful for today?

I just simply put some things away in my craft room today...nothing really exciting...I did get this card posted on the Buttons & Bows blog:

I hope you'll find time to thank a veteran and remember the sacrafices they make for our liberties.

Happy crafting....Lynda

Gratitude day 9

2010-11-09T20:52:00.000-08:00

Today was a busy day at the school volunteering with reading and library time. I love doing both because I get to work one on one with the kids in the class and it gives me a chance to get to know the kids my daughter spends all day with.

I did manage to get into my craft room for just a few minutes and created a card for the Buttons & Bows blog for tomorrow...and I was fortunate enough to have a little less help from my four footed friend this time...

So...today I am grateful that we have been doing Petite Pooch training classes with Bayley, so that she can just lay down and stay...while I am crafting...of course if you turn and look at this face more than once you tend to get up and play with her and don't get much crafting done...

Love you Bayley...when you don't eat our stuff mostly!!!

Gratitude days 7 and 8

2010-11-08T15:24:00.000-08:00

So...yesterday was just crazy busy...so I'm playing catchup today...

Yesterday I got to spend some one on one time with my oldest... she has been kind of punky lately, so I thought getting some special time with Mama may be just the thing to put things back in order... we went to M's for some crafty stuff...then Starubucks so she could get a hot chocolate with whip...then did our grocery shopping... it was totally fun... on the way out there was a firetruck in the parking lot and my girls are what you would call "fire truck groupies"...they have to go flirt and climb in every truck that we see...so here she is...

I am ever so grateful to have such a smart, gentle, kind, and beautiful daughter!!!!

Today it was a bit sunny and mid-50's...so I decided to get the last of the yardwork done for hopefully the last bit of hard stuff for the year...so I mowed, mowed, mowed...all 6,000 square feet of it...then blew leaves, mulched leaves, bagged leaves....whew....four hours later and it's done...

I am grateful that this will be the last mow of the season and that I got all of this done today before the next round of rains come in and made the leaves even harder to pick up...

What are you grateful for today????

and here they are...the two little hedgehogs I made for the girls...they are so excited to get them...it was so cute listening to them play with them and giving them names...which I have promptly forgotten...oops!

Did some painting in my journal over the past few days...just kind of working on pages that I will fill with stuff...kind of fun to just paint and get messy without a purpose knowing that I'll do something with it later.

Have a wonderful day...happy crafting....Lynda

Gratitude day six

2010-11-06T13:58:00.000-07:00

So...I've been trying to slowly clean my studio...taking little baby steps to break it down so I don't get overwhelmed...so today was ribbon...

I am grateful that I had these great kid toy storage bins that I used to sort all my ribbon by color......then I was able to use salad containers to put all my ribbon away....so it's all easy to see and totally "green" at the same time!!!

so...I am ever so grateful to be finished with this project and have these great easy to use ribbon storage containers now stuffed and sorted by color...should make grabbing the right color so much easier...for me and my two other little ribbon hoarders!!!

What are you grateful for today?

Made a cute little notebook today...just covering the front with some awesome paper and foil...
That's probably all the crafty I'll get to today...the little one has a play date, so supervisor time comes first...

Happy crafting....Lynda

Woohoo...day five...still going strong

2010-11-05T10:21:00.000-07:00

So...Friday's always seem to come way too fast in the week...trying to get everything done that needs to be done around the house so I can have two days to just play, play, play with the rest of the family while they are home... so...today I am grateful to my reliable friend Mr. Cuisinart... every morning at a little after six he greets me with five little beeps that tell me my liquid wakeup call is ready to go... and a few hours later he gives me a few beeps to tell me it's last call for the morning brew unless I click the button again (and yes, I am a double clicker most mornings)...

so...thank you Mr. Cuisinart...I am grateful that I have found a reliable morning support system...that you wake me with your gentle reminder and keep my coffee warm long after everyone has left for the day....

What are you grateful for today?

Today I am putting another layer of Gesso on a few mini canvas pieces I picked up earlier this year...hope to dig out the paints later today and get busy... oh yeah...need to take a picture of that cute little hedgehog too....they have decided it needs to be a girl...so I need to add pink to the cheeks and a bow (so I've been told...not sure I can make a bow that tiny though)

Did you see my cute mitten card over at the Buttons & Bows blog on Wednesday??? If not, you can look there...or here:

I've become a shaped card freak I think...making shaped everything these days... Kristy's hand made buttons are just delish...and she is so creative with her designs...be sure to check them out in her Etsy store!

Happy crafting.....Lynda

Gratitude day 4

2010-11-04T10:08:00.000-07:00

Today I am grateful that I am able to exercise and keep healthy without having to go to a gym to do so... I am fortunate enough to have a treadmill in my craft room that I use almost every day to keep my mind and body healthy. I have a heart condition that requires me to exercise to keep my heart muscle as healthy as possible, so it is very important that I keep up my routine. Before I knew I had a heart condition I had a philosophy that I only ran when chased...now I chase after a more healthy me by clocking time and miles on my treadmill at least five days a week...

thank you ProForm treadmill....you and I have clocked a lot of hours and miles my friend...I am grateful that you are there for me...

What are you grateful for today?

I started a new craft this week....needle felting. I made the cutest little hedgehog yesterday that I will take a picture of and post later....the girls both want one now...so back to the craft room later today to see if I can recreate my little friend...

Happy crafting.....Lynda

New day full of gratitude

2010-11-03T20:09:00.000-07:00

So...today the weather here in the Seattle area was warm and sunny....65 actually...talk about an amazing day...and lookie lookie what is happening on my deck...blooming again:

the begonias in a few of my pots have started to bloom again...and the tiny little pink flowers in the other planter are blooming as well... I know it won't last, but today I am ever so grateful for the small signs that sometimes there is life again when given the right ingredients!!!

I also was lucky enough to chat with my gal Jen; even sat outside on the deck to enjoy the weather...perfect!!! So grateful to have met such an amazing woman at Brave Girls Camp!!

What are you grateful for today???

Happy crafting....Lynda