Holiday Framed Art

Whew!  I can't believe it's November already...where has this year gone?  November is not normally one of my favorite months...it's cold, rainy, windy, and generally unpleasant outside (at least where I live!)  Save for Thanksgiving, there's not a lot to like about November.  But, it is a good time to stay warm & dry indoors and get crafty!  This November, I'm pleased and excited to be a Guest Designer for Craft Project Central.  All month long I'll be sharing projects that were designed by a very talented group of crafters who will inspire and delight you.  Click on any of the links to learn more about the designers and their lovely projects!

Holiday Framed Art by Regina Andari - www.workinouttheinks.blogspot.com

It’s time to think about holiday décor, and you’ll be off to a great start with this tutorial.  Create a festive framed work of art comprised of six individual panels that are easy to make and possess enough interest and detail that will have your guests taking more than just a quick glance.  Since you’ll probably be going to some holiday parties or dinners, go ahead and make a few of these framed projects so you’ll have a fantastic gift for a hostess (or two).  This tutorial even includes a coordinating card!

The tutorial for this lovely project, designed by Regina Andari, can be yours by subscribing to the month of November at Craft Project Central.

Happy crafting,

Pat

Ghirardelli Fall Treat Holder

Happy Fall, Y'all!

I've been busy on this rainy day making a little something for all the people in my life that I'm grateful for - there are so many!

Aren't they sweet?  And so quick to make.  Even the coloring didn't take long with my Stampin' Write markers!  Here's a little photo tutorial of the process:

Don't forget to round the corners to give your little treat holder a polished look!

The wheat image is from Wetlands and the grateful for you is from Acorny Thank You.  

The pumpkins from Spooky Fun hide the staple nicely.  My scarecrow, from Cookie Cutter Halloween, is colored with Tangerine Tango, Pumpkin Pie, Dapper Denim, Daffodil Delight and Real Red.  I used a flesh-colored Tombow marker on his face with a little touch of Blushing Bride for rosy cheeks.

Mmmm...I just can't understand why I ran out of these before all my treat holders were filled...

I hope you've enjoyed this!  I'm off to the store for more Ghirardelli Squares...hopefully there will be enough left to finish filling my treats by the time I get home!

Follow this link to purchase your own Cookie Cutter Halloween set.  There are mummies, vampires & ghosts included too!  

Gratefully,

Pat

Inspired

Hi Stampers,

Fall is the best time of year, no doubt about it.  I've been inspired to create beautiful fall cards by all the colors of nature.  The cards I've been working on this week use some of my favorite things - Vintage Leaves, watercoloring and copper embossing powder!  Here's my card:

And here's my inspiration:

Aren't those just the best colors?  I tried to duplicate them with my watercoloring - I'm pretty happy with the result, what do you think?

I have to admit, these colors weren't the only thing that inspired me to make these cards.  I watched this awesome video from Patty Bennett and couldn't wait to try this watercolor wash technique.  I could go into more detail about how it's done, but Patty does such a great job explaining it in her video that you really need to watch it!  (Seriously, you'll be inspired too!)

Here are some of the sheets that I cut my leaves from.  Don't be discouraged if you try this and think your watercoloring doesn't look right - there's no right or wrong with this technique.  Every piece is unique and you'll probably think it looks like a mess, until you cut the leaves - then they are gorgeous!

Another thing I used on all of my cards is my favorite embossing powder, Copper Stampin' Emboss Powder.  I'm amazed every time I use it at how quickly and smoothly it melts.

Isn't that beautiful?  So elegant and perfect for Fall!

Once I got started making these cards, I couldn't stop.

I really couldn't stop.  I made birthday cards, and thank you cards, and hello cards, and missing you cards, and Thanksgiving cards.  I call it my all-purpose card for Fall :)

This is actually my first time playing with Vintage Leaves and the Leaflets Framelits.  I wanted it when it first came out last year but didn't get it, so I was really happy that it was carried over into this year's annual catalog.  If you like fall decorating, there is so much you can do with these leaves besides make cards!  Imagine wreaths, garlands, scrapbook pages, tabletop decorations, placecards, napkin rings, classroom decorations, the list goes on and on!

You can shop for any of the supplies to make your own inspired cards by clicking on the Shop Now link on the left side of this page.  Please be sure to leave your contact information when you order to get a special "thank you" from me.

Happy stamping,

Pat