Monday, May 26, 2014

Be Still Canvas Frame

 Last week was a bit of a crazy one!  We got the news that my Dad took a nasty fall and suffered a vertebral fracture, landing him in the trauma center flat on his back and awaiting extensive surgery.  Our family lifted up many prayers for his healing and comfort (and continue to do so), and yet, we also felt it hard to be so far away (he was several states away) and not be able to do something.  Well, that is where papercrafting came to the rescue!  We were not only able to send him cards (hand-drawn by the kids, papercrafted by me, and store-bought), but I was able to put together this little 4x4 canvas frame for his bedside!  

Let me tell you how I put it together (it was a quick and fun little project!).  I found the canvas in a frame from Michaels--it was on an endcap near their framing department with all the artistic canvases (they also sell a white frame version).  Then I picked out two black-and-cream patterned papers from my stash (a newsprint and a damask print from SU).  I cut the damask into a 4x4 square to fit the canvas and adhered it with Tombow permanent adhesive.  Then, I tore two corners from the newsprint paper, inked up the torn edges with Desert Sand ink (CTMH) and a sponge and adhered these down in the corners.  For the sentiment, I used one of my favorite stamps from CTMH, Be Still, stamped in black ink (Versamark) on colonial white cardstock.  I inked it up the colonial white cardstock with Desert Sand ink and matted it on Bamboo cardstock, then adhered it to the canvas.  Lastly, I used some metal cross embellishments (Michaels) popped up with 3D foam tape--you can see the dimension it provides in the next pictures...

I really love how it turned out!  It sits up using a little dowel rod/hole system (or it can be hung) and I pray it will be a source of encouragement for my Dad as he convalesces with family for the next several weeks!  I love when my passion for papercrafting can be used by God to bless and encourage others, especially those near-and-dear to my heart!  I hope you, too, can be a bright spot in someone's day with your craft, my friend!

Friday, May 16, 2014

Guest Blogger: Magnetic Chore Chart

Back again today with another inspiring and helpful project from my sister, MaryEllen Kiser!  I will let her tell you how she made this beautiful chore chart for her little ones...

I recently decided that my soon to be three year old's dawdling to get dressed in the morning needed to end and fast! So I started looking online for chore chart ideas that I could make that would hopefully get her motivated to move in the morning! This one that I made is actually a mixture of several I found. I got a cookie sheet from the dollar store and then used Modge Podge to attach scrapbook paper to the bottom of the cookie sheet. The glossy look makes it look a little more "artsy" and like something you would actually buy than just attaching the scrapbook paper with scrapbook adhesive but you could go that route if pressed for time or in order to simplify the process. In this example I used two different kinds of paper. One at the top for the "title" section and the other sheet for the rest of the chart. I liked the look of the contrasting paper and it helps to see the different headings. Next I found chore cards online that were applicable. I cut them out, glued them to scrapbook paper and slid them into plastic  badge holders that I bought at an office supply store. I then attached a magnet on the back which I found in the craft section at Walmart. What I love about using the plastic badge holders is that they are reusable! I can change out the chores at any time and still use the rest of my chore chart! LOVE that! I added some flower embellishments to the top that I made using a variety of punches that I have. I also created three headings on the chart, "To Do", "Lillian's Chore Chart" and "I Did It!". You can also Modge Podge ribbon along the edges of the cookie sheet if you want more decoration. I made a loop out of ribbon to hang it and attached it using E6000. I was able to create this during one nap and it was tons of fun as well! I am happy to report that the chart has really helped my sanity! My daughter loves moving the magnets from one side to the other throughout the day and all I have to do is move them back in the morning. She is proud of herself and so am I! Mission accomplished- pretty and practical!
Thanks MaryEllen for sharing this great project!  And there is my little niece, Lillian--isn't she adorable?  I hope you have a very creative weekend, my friend--see you next week!

Sunday, May 11, 2014

Ariana "Sweet" Card

Hi friend!  Back today to share with you a gorgeous card made with directions provided by Christine Adams.  Love this card as it is super versatile--goes great for men (color scheme) and ladies (flower, doily) and can be a "thinking of you" card or a birthday card!  It has two special techniques associated with it.  First, it uses CTMH's polka dot embossing folder--love the look of that with a little light sanding on their white-core cardstock.  The second technique is a box-pleat fold for the damask strip across the middle.  I love how it turned out.  I decided to use liquid adhesive to really secure the folded strip and it makes for a nice firm hold!  Also, love the little "masculine" flower center embellishment from the Proplayer assortment (CTMH).  Sentiment is stamped with slate ink (stamp set unknown).  Thanks for stopping by--hope you have a creative one!