Friday, December 31, 2010

Ink Stains Among Top 25% on Google PageRank!

O.k...I am so excited...this is totally random and something I found totally by accident.  I'm not too computer savvy and I'd never heard of Google Pagerank but I noticed on a blog roll list that Ink Stains had a #3 rating?!?  So I went in search of more information about this type of rating. 

I guess it's something that Google does based on all sorts of criteria ~ visits, page views, content, how often it's updated, search engine stuff, and other things ~ it's all very confusing once you start reading about it. 

Anyway, back to the rank of 3.  It's a scale of 0-10, 10 being the highest.  When I found that out I was pretty disappointed because Ink Stains was only rated a 3.   Well, if you look at the break down most sites are ranked at 0, 1 or 2 ~ over 75% of them as a matter of fact which means that a 3 is pretty darn good! 

Pagerank Statistics

PR 9 255 sites

PR 8 1682 sites

PR 7 5104 sites

PR 6 13383 sites

PR 5 22053 sites

PR 4 31360 sites

PR 3 43336 sites

PR 2 8948 sites

PR 1 67472 sites

PR 0 203188 sites

TOTAL 476187 sites

Ink Stains ranks in the top 24%  among almost half a million sites!!! 
 
How freakin' cool is that - LOL!!
I am so excited, it totally blows me away.
I can hardly believe it...
I seriously had no idea...
It's a great surprise.
new year

Happy New Year

If it didn't bring you joy
just leave it behind
Let's ring in the new year
with good things in mind

Let every bad memory
that brought heartache and pain
And let's turn a new leaf
with the smell of new rain

Let's forget past mistakes
making amends for this year
Sending you these greetings
to bring you hope and cheer

Have a fun New Years Eve
and
all the best in the coming year!!! 

I want to thank each and every one of you for visiting the blog in 2010...hard to believe the year has almost come to an end.  
I hope you've enjoyed all of the inky goodness over the past year and return for all the fun to come.
You're the reason I do what I do and you all mean so very much to me :)

Inky ((((((HUGS)))))))

Just For Fun Friday...Jump on the Day of Love

Happy Friday
and
Happy New Years!!

I know it's not even 2011 yet but all of us ink people need to get a jump start on the holidays coming up quickly.  It's going to be Valentines day before you know it so it's time to start thinkin' about cards for your sweetie, friends and family!

Today I have a few card ideas to get you going.  All of them use a variety of Just For Fun Rubber Stamps of course.  If you see any you like, now is the time to order as the 25% off sale ends tonite!!

Here are my creations....

Key to My Heart...

JFF 12-31-10 002

Cupids Arrow...

I embellished cupid with a few of the new Liquid Pearls and painted the embossed hearts with it as well.

JFF 12-31-10 003

True Love...

This is my fav. because of the blue and the beautiful couple....

JFF 12-31-10 004

So there go...be sure to check out the Just For Fun blog to see what the rest of the JFF Design Team girls have been up to!

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Candy Foil Die-Cuts

I don't know about you but in our family one of the neat little treats that we save for the holidays are the little foil wrapped treats.  You know what I mean...the little solid chocolates that are shaped like balls, coins, footballs, bells, wafers, etc.   WELL, I decided to save a few of the foil wrappers and make something fun with it!  I'm using some candy foil from some Dove chocolates.

Candy Foil Die-Cuts

Foil Art

Supplies:

Candy Foil Wrappers
Chipboard
Collage or Craft Glue
Glossy Accents or Rock Candy
Die-Cut Machine/Die-Cut

Instructions:

1. Tear the foil wrappers into small pieces.

Foil Art 3

2. Spread a bit of the glue over a small section of the chipboard. 

3. Begin layering pieces of the torn foil wrapper over the glue smeared area.

Foil Art 5

4. Continue to add additional glue and foil pieces until the chipboard has been completely covered.

5. (NOTE: This step can be done before or after die-cutting.)  To ensure that all of the pieces of foil stay put once you begin die-cutting you will need to take one final step.  Apply a layer of Glossy Accents or Rock Candy to the entire piece of chipboard.  I used Rock Candy because I liked the fine cracks it adds to the die-cut.

  Foil Art 6

Your candy foil chipboard is now ready to be die-cut!

Here is a little bird I created from the example I made....

Foil Art 7

If you'll notice I saved the dark pink strips for a seperate piece of chipboard which I then cut the bird wing from.  It's fun to use certain colors for an area to highlight various sections of the die-cuts. 

Give it a try and see what you can come up with! 
It will add a fun and interesting effect to your creations :)

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Sales & News


Sales:

Well, 2010 is almost over and to celebrate many stores are offering great savings to welcome the New Year.  Stamp stores are no different and I've got a few to share with you ;)

Just For Fun Rubber Stamps:

To thank you for your patronage during the year we are once again offering our Year End Special. It will begin December 26 and run through January 31. All online retail orders will receive 25% OFF and your savings will be shown in red at check out. http://www.jffstamps.com/


NOTE: Since we will be closed until January 3 to spend time with our family and friends all orders will begin shipping that week.
 
The Cat's Pajamas:
 
Year End Clearance - 25% off all web orders 12-26 thru 12-31.
 
Alpha Stamps:
 
They are having a huge sale but they are also giving lots of goodies away on their blog.
 
Alluring Impressions:
 
GIANT Grab- Bag Sale... $40.00-55.00 valued grab bags ~ Normally $16.50 are now on sale for $8.25!!!  Hurry as this special is only good while supplies last.
 
Red Lead Paperworks:
 
Great sale on lots of goodies...
 
Ink Stained
NEWS:
 
First I wanted to let all prize winners that your goodies are now in the mail...  WHEW!!!! The holidays ended up being far busier than I had anticipated so I got behind with mailing goodies.  I am very happy to tell you that I took all of the prizes to the post office today and should be winging their way to their destinations as I type!
 
I didn't get the additional examples of card/envie sets made yesterday.  Between all the guys being home right now for Christmas/New Years break and working on a special project I can't seem to find as much time as I'd like to craft...  Don't you hate it when life gets in the way!
 
I'd like to send out some thank you's to a few people who sent me Christmas and/or New Years greetings... Sherry (thanks for the lovely tag!); Steph (beautiful blue card!); Jackie (thank you for the beautiful bracelet!!); Candy (your card was great!); Peggy (love the darling snowmen!); Andi (love the cows :) too cute!); and Brandi (Lovely snowflakes...gotta love those Stickles!). 
 
I also rec'd a Christmas card from a lady who purchased some of my vintage pen nibs on my Etsy store... Now I have been using the nibs for embellishments on various collage/altered art projects but Rebecha actually USED them as pen nibs.  The card she sent me was adorned with a smaller version of a pen and ink drawing that she drew using the nibs!!  I never dreamed anyone would actually use them as intended - LOL!! 
 
2011 Technique Calendar
 
If you've been visiting the blog for a while you might remember that last year I created a Ranger calendar that incorporated 12 different techniques/products.  Well, I am going to be starting the new Ranger Product Technique Calendar for 2011 on Monday so gather up a good supply of chipboard (our base for this year) if you're interested in playing along!  I will be using the following products as the main "ingredients" ~ one each for the 12 months.  I'm sure I'll be incorporating additional supplies as we go but these will be the main focus products....
 
Adirondack Alcohol Inks, Liquid Pearls, Distress Inks, Sticky Back Canvas, Adirondack Dye Inks, Dimensional Pearls, Beeswax, Perfect Pearls, Stickles Glitter Glue, Adirondack Color Wash, Embossing Powders and Inkssentials White Pen.
 
I'll also be sharing a few links for mini calendar pages!
 
Hope to see you there!

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

QKD - Royal Blog Hop ~ Final Hop of 2010!

Happy Tuesday!

I hope you're all getting back into the swing of things...I know it's taken me a while to get back into a "normal" routine...specially since Bob is home from school and Eric is on a short work week.


That being said the theme for today's blog hop is a Free For All which I absolutely love!  It gives me a chance to use some fun stamps that I normally don't get to share.  Today I want to share a card that I absolutely LOVE... why?  My mom is a smart *** and teases my Dad and dh saying they are 2 peas in a pod all the time ;)  It's really very funny...  It also works for my Mom and I as we are very much 2 peas in a pod...

2 Peas in a Pod Card

Stamps used: Box It Background; Flower from Every Season set; Two Peas in a Pod

Be sure to check out the Queen Kat Designs Blog to see all of the other cool creations by the rest of the Royal Court!

Monday, December 27, 2010

Dressed Up Envies

Who says your envies can't be just as nice as the cards inside?

Well here is an example of an envelope being just as nice as the card....

SQ - Aug - Outside In - Roni 001

and the card inside...

SQ - Aug - Outside In - Roni 002

Basically I just copied the card onto the envelope.  Before I started stamping the envelope I added a bit of masking paper to the center to leave a space for the address.  Beyond that I stamped and colored everything in the same fashion as I did the card it's self minus the Stickles Glitter Glue. 

Of course this example is a bit over the time and a bit time consuming but for those very special occasions it's a really cool way to dress up your greetings.  I'll be back tomorrow with a few more examples that are less time consuming but still offer a great impact.

2nd Chance Winners!!!

Hopefully the 2nd time is the charm for this round of goodies ;)

The winners are as follows (drawn using random.org)....

Tic Tac Toe Tin....

Anonymous said...

Wow, would love a chance on a second chance prize! =Fun Stuff!

CarrieP

shocking120@gmail.com

December 16, 2010 5:15 PM

Gingerbread Garland....

Val said...

Would love to win any of your give-a-ways. Who wouldn't. Thanks for chance Roni.

Computer finally fixed after 6 months - have now become a follower. Love your blog.

Val

December 16, 2010 9:58 PM

Noel Banner....

Mariannes Kort og Stempling said...

I would love one of these prizes! I love your work, but I am not good at commenting on blogs - sorry...

December 17, 2010 12:29 AM

3rd Birthday Mega Box....

Connie said...

Oooo 2nd chance. As all your creations are fabulous, I must toss my hat in the ring for this.

connie dot eisele at gmail dot com

December 19, 2010 2:16 PM

Congratulations Ladies...

Please send me your snail mail addies...I will be going to the post office later this week with a bunch of prizes (these and previously posted).

Friday, December 24, 2010

Merry Christmas ....

Normally today is Just For Fun Rubber Stamps Friday but Debbi & Rick gave the design team girls the week off BUT I had a little message I wanted to send out to all of my inky friends so I figured I'd use some JFF stamps and say it with ink!!

 jff 12-10 001

and

JFF - Happy New Years! 002

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday with whomever you celebrate with !!!

May you be blessed this season and in the coming year.

Lots of Inky Hugs...

Ink Stained Roni

Altered Family Recipe Box Winner!!

Ops!  With the flurry of Christmas activities and last minute have to get things done I totally forgot to draw the winner of the recipe box!! 

First I wanted to say how delish every one's fav. rec. sounds!!  Makes me hungry just reading about them - LOL!! 

So here goes... as determined by Random.org....

The winner of the altered Recipe Box is....

2Ksmommy!!!

2Ksmommy said...

I love this box! absolutely love the colors you used on it too! My favorite recipe, right now, is for shrimp etoufee! I just learned how to cook it, so its been done frequently lately. I'm sure my family is tired of it, lol

December 16, 2010 2:43 PM

Congratulations!!!
(Please send me your snail mail addy)

Thursday, December 23, 2010

25 Days of Hand Crafted Gifts and Ornaments - Ric Rac Candy Cane Ornament

Here is a VERY easy ornament that also works great as an embellishment for a card, scrapbook lay-out or gift topper.

Ric Rac Candy Cane

I love the look of ric rac but have used it mainly in place of ribbon on my projects.  Today's ornament will get it off the page and give it a little life!

25 Days of Hand Crafted Gifts & Ornaments - Ric Rac Candy Cane 001

Supplies:

Ric Rac - 2 colors
Chipboard
Straight Pin
Wonder Tape
Ribbon or Hanger (optional)

Instructions:

1. Pin the two pieces of ric rac using a straight pin.  The "bumps" will need to be lined up alternating as shown in the photo...

25 Days of Hand Crafted Gifts & Ornaments - Ric Rac Candy Cane 003

2. Since we started with the white RR pinned on top of the red RR you should now cross the red RR over the white.  Make sure that the red fits snugly against the white.

25 Days of Hand Crafted Gifts & Ornaments - Ric Rac Candy Cane 004

3. Now cross the white strand of RR over the red. 

25 Days of Hand Crafted Gifts & Ornaments - Ric Rac Candy Cane 005

4. Continue crossing alternating colors over each other.  Make sure there is a snug fit each time you cross one piece of RR over the other.

You will notice that as your twined RR grows in length it will tend to curl.  No worries...this is the nature of the beast ~ we'll fix that when we affix it to the chipboard.

 25 Days of Hand Crafted Gifts & Ornaments - Ric Rac Candy Cane 006

5. Once you have reached the length needed for your particular project, pin the ends together as you did at the start.  This will prevent the RR from unwinding it's self.

6. Cut a rough candy cane shape from the chipboard.  This can be any length needed...

25 Days of Hand Crafted Gifts & Ornaments - Ric Rac Candy Cane 007

7. Add a bit of Wonder Tape along the chipboard and affix the twined RR.  Wrap the ends to the back of the candy cane and affix with more Wonder Tape.

25 Days of Hand Crafted Gifts & Ornaments - Ric Rac Candy Cane 009

8. If you are going to use the candy cane as an ornament you can add a piece of ribbon or string for a hanger. 

Your Candy Cane Ornament is now ready to be used!

25 Days of Hand Crafted Gifts & Ornaments - Ric Rac Candy Cane 011

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

I hope you've all enjoyed the 25 Days (Plus) of Hand Crafted Gifts and Ornaments as much as I have!

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

25 Days of Hand Crafted Gifts and Ornaments *Special Request* Elderly Relative Gift Idea

Hi Everyone!

I rec'd an e-mail this morning that I didn't get until I got home from shopping this afternoon that read as follows:

"Dear Roni,


I wanted to tell you how much I have enjoyed your 25 days of gift and ornament ideas. I have been following along each day and have used several of the ideas you posted.

That being said I hope you don’t mind my asking but I have an elderly aunt that lives in a nursing home. She is a very spry 92 but doesn't get around as well as she used to.  I would dearly love to make something she would enjoy for Christmas but I just can’t come up with anything other than the usual food or clothing. Neither of which she really needs.

Do you happen to have any ideas for something I can make for her?

Thank you so much for any help you can offer.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Ashley"

Always up for a challenge I set aside the gift idea I had planned for today and did a little brain storming to come up with gift ideas for elderly relatives. 

Here is what I came up with ~
(sorry...I didn't have time to actually make any of them so hopefully the ideas will help anyway!)

Memory Jar ~

Take a glass (or plastic jar) and fill it with memories.  You could do this yourself but it would be great if you could get other family members and friends to help.  Simply write down a favorite memory or story you have concerning this special person.  It could be a tale about a Christmas past, a silly joke they liked to tell, a childhood memory or other fond memory you have of this special person.

Personalized Book Mark & Basket of Large Print Books ~

Many older folks enjoy reading but find it difficult because of the size of the text in regular books.  Fill a basket with a few large print books, add a reading light, page magnifier (these are a nifty little gadget that is about 4x6 flat sheet of magnifying material ~ usually a plastic ~ that allows the reader to highlight and magnify 2-3 paragraphs at one time.) and stamp a personalized book marker.

Over sized Calendar ~

Stamp an over sized calendar for an elderly relative. Make the calendar from 12x12 sheets of cardstock and use large numbers for each date so it is easy to read.  When it's put together it will be 12x24 so you can leave lots of room for writing notes and occasions.   If you'd like you could have everyone in your family add special dates.

Stamped Card Portfolio ~

Create a selection of cards for various occasions, add envelopes, labels and stamps.  Tuck it all in a portfolio to keep it nice and neat. 

Bulletin Board ~ 

Personalize a bulletin board for your relative.  Create a special border of photos or stamped images around the outer edge.  Add a space to attach a note pad and attach a pencil or pen on a string (so it doesn't get lost). 

Tic Tac Toe Tin Game ~

Jackie thought this game tin would also be a good idea for elderly folks. (link in the title)

Well, that's what I came up off the top of my head...I'll continue to add more ideas as I think of them.

If you have any other ideas to share with Ashley or others looking to make goodies for an elderly relative please feel free to add it in the comments section! 

Monday, December 20, 2010

25 Days of Hand Crafted Gifts and Ornaments - Stickles Chipboard Ornament

Today's ornament is one that can be enjoyed by the entire family...

Stickles Chipboard Ornaments!

Joy Stickles Ornament

Supplies:

Chipboard or Die-cut Ornament Shapes
Chipboard or Die Cut Letters
Adirondack Acrylic Dabber Paints
Stickles Glitter Glue
Ribbon

Instructions:

1.  Die-cut or draw & cut out various ornament shapes from chipboard.  I like to use a medium to heavy weight chipboard since we'll be using so much Stickles.  Thinner chipboard tends to curl when it dries.

2. Paint the ornament and letters with desired color of acrylic paint.  I used silver on the ornament and blue for the letters.

3. Trace desired pattern onto the ornament.  I used some simple strips for this ornament but you could go with swirls, flourishes, harlequin design, etc.    Don't forget to add the hanger at the top!

4.  Outline your design using Black Diamond Stickles and let dry.

5.  While the outline is drying cover the letters with desired color of Stickles. 

6. Once the black outlines have dried, fill in each section of the ornament using desired color(s) of Stickles Glitter Glue.  Set aside to dry.

7. Hand cut or die-cut holly & berries. 

8. Apply desired colors of Stickles to the holly leaves and berries.  If you notice I combined 3 colors of Green Stickles to highlight the leaves and add a bit of interest.

9.  Glue the letters and holly to the ornament.

10. Add ribbon and enjoy!

This is great not only for a tree but it's great in a window, mantel, as a gift embellishment or tag, etc. 
 Since it's relatively flat it can also be mailed very easily!

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Vintage Christmas Cards

Only 7 days left till Christmas!

I don't know if you know it or not but in addition to Vintage Postcards I also collect Vintage Greeting Cards...mostly from the 30's-50's but I do have a few newer.  Well today I decided to dig through them and share some of my Vintage Christmas Cards with you.  I think it's fun to see how different the styles, colors, etc. are from today.  So here you go :)

 Vintage Christmas Cards 001

(this looks so nice...ahhh warmth!)

Vintage Christmas Cards 002

Vintage Christmas Cards 003

I thought this one was really cool...the outline is Merry Christmas in tiny script.

Vintage Christmas Cards 004

LOVE this one!

Vintage Christmas Cards 005

This card is actually a very early pop-out card...the foot of the bed lifts to make the card 3-D.

Vintage Christmas Cards 006

and a very cute Santa :)

Vintage Christmas Cards 007

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!

I'm going shopping with Ben's fiance, her mom & grandma to this store....Darlington Farms
I've never been there but it sounds like SOOOOO much fun! 
Bargain shopping ~ gotta love it ;)
Maybe I'll find some cool stuff to alter!!

Friday, December 17, 2010

25 Days of Hand Crafted Gifts and Ornaments - Buttons & Pearls Ornament

This ornament is again one near and dear to my heart because it's main component is buttons :)

I am using clear, white or pearl type buttons because it seems like that is what I have more of than any other color.  You could mix it up a bit using different or select colors...totally up to you.  Whatever you prefer.  Many people suggest gluing the buttons to the styrofoam ball I am also using pearl head corsage pins to affix them...that way if I ever want to I can remove them all if I wish to do so ~ no harm done.

25 Days of Hand Crafted Gifts & Ornaments - Button Ball 001

Supplies:

Buttons
Pearl Corsage Pins
Styrofoam Ball
Ribbon
Alcohol Inks (optional)

Instructions:

1. Start by threading 1 or more button(s) of different sizes on the corsage pin.  I am using 2 on most and three on a few.

NOTE: I left all the old thread and bits of fabric on my buttons to give it that vintage "used" feeling...you can of course remove it if you would like.

25 Days of Hand Crafted Gifts & Ornaments - Button Ball 002

2. Poke the pin into the styrofoam ball.

25 Days of Hand Crafted Gifts & Ornaments - Button Ball 003

3. Continue adding pins/buttons....

25 Days of Hand Crafted Gifts & Ornaments - Button Ball 004

until it is completely covered....

25 Days of Hand Crafted Gifts & Ornaments - Button Ball 005

4.  Add a hanging ribbon by poking a pin through the ribbon before adding the button(s).  Poke it into the ball as you have been.

5. (optional) If you are using white buttons like I did and you'd like to add color you can squirt the buttons with Alcohol Inks to color them.

And you're all done!

Note:  Don't worry about the exposed areas of the styrofoam...once you step back away you don't notice it at all.

25 Days of Hand Crafted Gifts & Ornaments - Button Ball 006

25 Days of Hand Crafted Gifts & Ornaments - Button Ball 007

Now I do have to warn you this is a bit time consuming because if you're like me you have to sort through all your buttons for just the right ones to add to your stack.  It is very easy though so it's not a difficult project and goes quickly once you decide what you're using.

Just For Fun Friday - One last Christmas Hurrah!

Happy Friday!!!

Woo hoo...only 8 days left till Christmas...I know it's getting short on time for Christmas card ideas but I couldn't give up the Christmas cards just yet. ;) Too many fun Christmas images, so not enough time to share all the cards I want to make - lol!!

So here are the cards I created this week with my Just For Fun rubber stamps...

Tis the Season...

I tell you it is so much fun to play with the faux postage grid stamps. You can really get creative on what you add to each little space. These images were all colored using my Bic markers with a Distress Ink background.

JFF - 12-17-10 001

Winter Morning Snow Globe...

This is what it looks like at my house today!!! I really didn't know it would be snowing this a.m. so it's just a happy coincidence. The image was embossed then colored with Distress Inks using my Ink Blending Tool (of course) and I added lots of Crystal Stickles Glitter Glue ~ cause everything is nice with a dash of Stickles right? LOL!! The bow is some of TH's Tissue Tape.

After I got the card put together I thought it would have looked better with something stamped in the white area...oh well maybe I'll go back and ink it up ;)

JFF - 12-17-10 003

Be sure to check out the Just For Fun Blog to see what the other Just For Fun Girls decided to create during this stamping free-for-all!

If you have time, stop in later today...
I've got a really cool ornament to share to help get the holiday all
"buttoned" up ;)

Thursday, December 16, 2010

2nd Chance Give-A-Way

I've started this post so many times cause I didn't know what to say.  In the blogging world there are people who flit here and there never to return again...there are folks who stop in as time allows be it weekly, monthly, etc.  then there are others who stick around and become inky friends for life.... 

If you've been here for any length of time you know that everyone is welcome and I share goodies in addition to project ideas, cards, altered art and more.  Well sometimes the winners of these goodies for whatever reason don't stick around long enough or leave a way to get in touch with them after the fact.

Which brings me to the reason for this post.  Since the end of the year is drawing close it's time to clear out some of these unclaimed prizes!!

I have several goodies to give away that were never claimed the first time around and a couple projects that I didn't give away when the tutorial was original posted.

What might they be???

Well first I'd like to give away the Tic Tac Toe Tin I shared recently...

25 Days of Hand Made Gifts & Ornaments - Tic Tac Toe 001

I'm going to give away the Gingerbread Garland....

25 Days of Hand Crafted Gifts & Orn - Cork Gingerbread Garland 012

Next this Noel Banner was never claimed so it's up for grabs....

SQ - Holiday Blizzard - Noel Banner - Roni 01

and finally

Believe it or not the GIANT 3rd B-Day prize was never claimed....

Ink Stains 3 003

Ink Stains 3 001

So if you'd like your name to be entered into the drawing for one of these 4 prizes, just post a comment.  
Please be sure to have some way for me to contact you available.  I don't care if it's an e-mail addy in your comment, a link through your screen name to some sort of e-mail access (either on your profile page or blog) but I really need some way to contact you in case you win.  OR you could just continue to visit the blog ;)  LOL!!

Anyway, you have until 12-26-10 to post a comment.

Good Luck Friends!!

Letters Home Tag @ Ranger Blog!

Hi Guys!

I hope you're all safe and sound this cold and snowy Thursday!  It seems like much of the country has been or is currently being hit with lots of cold, snowy, icy conditions.  I hope you all to to where you should be safe this a.m.   Luckily (!?!) it's just cold here this a.m....if you can call that lucky - LOL!! 

I wanted to pass on another link....my Letters Home tag is up the featured project on Ranger's Blog today!  They even gave a shout out about the 25 Days of Handcrafted Gifts and Ornaments!  How cool is that :)  

Anyway, I know I mentioned it was on their web site front page but I thought I'd let you know it's on their blog as well :)

You have a great day and be sure to check back later...

I've got a pile of goodies to give a way and I'll share more details later ;) 

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Get Inked - Dec 2010 - Snowflakes and Bird Winner!!

The winner of the Dec 2010 Get Inked Stamps and Charm is.....

Janet L.!!!!


Janet L. said...


Great cards and charm, Roni! I've learned so much from you, thank you. My favorite winter time activity is making cards first, then comes reading or watching TV with a glass of wine in hand.

Congratulations Janet!!

(Please e-mail me your snail mail addy.)

Jumbo Glass Pebble Magnets Winners!

The winners of the Jumbo Glass Pebbles Magnets are....

Completed Magnets & Tin -

Dee in N.H.!!

Dee in N.H. said...


Those are sooo cool! Love the tin too. What an awesome gift that would be. Thanks for a chance to win. My favorite person to buy for is my Mom because I can gather all things crafty and eclectic and she is so happy!

December 6, 2010 5:13 PM

and the winner of the Jumbo Glass Pebble Magnet Kit is...

Gail!!

Gail said...


ooo what a wonderful idea..hope our dollar stores in canada have some..i'd love to winn the c'mas candy..

My gift in the past..was a lot of years ago..when we struggled one c'mas..me and my girls and hubby all made home-made gifts..for each other and to family after 35 yrs.gone..we all still have them..loves ya

December 7, 2010 2:12 PM

Congratulations!!!

(Please e-mail me your snail mail addies.)

25 Days of Hand Crafted Gifts and Ornaments - Family Recipe Box

Today I've got a really fun project that is great for anyone in your family...a Family Recipe Box.  Why a "family" recipe box you ask...  because you can ask all of your family (and/or friends) to contribute one or more of their favorite recipes to be added to the collection.  You can compile the various recipes and make a copy for everyone!  This would also work in a book form and probably be much more practical if you were making one for multiple people.  But.... I like to alter things so that's why I made the box ;)

Another thing I LOVE about this project besides something to alter is it's a great way to "upcycle" those old worn out recipe boxes found at second hand stores or garage sales!  It is so much fun to take something old & unloved and give it new life. 

25 Days of Gifts & Ornaments - Rec. Box 001

Supplies:


QKD Get Inked May 2010 stamp set
Distress Ink – Wild Honey – Ranger Industries
Adirondack Pigment Pen – Currant – Ranger Industries
Ink Blending Tool & Foam – Ranger Industries
Adirondack Acrylic Dabber – Snow Cap – Ranger Industries
Archival Ink or Staz-On Ink
Decoupage Glue (Mod-Podge, Collage Pauge, etc.)
Foam Brush
Tissue Paper
Cardstock
Paper Flowers - Prima
Recipe Box (new or up-cycled)
Brads
Tag Paper Punch
Nesties Label Die Cut
Sandpaper
Recipe Cards (or cardstock to cut your own)


Instructions:

Altered Recipe Box

1. Sand the top and sides of the recipe box.
2. Paint the top and sides of the recipe box with white paint. It doesn’t have to be perfect as it will be covered in later steps.
3. Randomly stamp the vintage baking images with a permanent waterproof ink such as Archival Ink or Staz-On Ink.
4. Rub various areas of the box top and sides with the Wild Honey Distress Ink. In the remaining areas add a bit of color with the Currant Pigment Pen.

5. Apply the decoupage medium to one side of the box and gently lay the stamped tissue paper over the glue. Dab the paper into the glue with the foam brush. NOTE: Be sure not to rub or brush too hard as the tissue paper will tear easily. You will notice the tissue paper has absorbed the Distress and Pigment Pen Inks.

6. Continue to add decoupage medium and tissue paper until the entire box has been covered. Fix any tears by adding a second layer of glue and tissue paper. Set aside to dry.

7. On white cardstock stamp the Mixing Bowl, Cook & Secret Ingredient sentiment images using the combined inking technique explained in the “Secret Ingredient” card instructions.

8. Die cut the Bowl image and mount on brown cardstock. Trim the Cook & sentiment and again mount on brown cardstock.

9. Affix the Bowl image to the lid of the recipe box and the Cook/Sentiment image to the front of the box. Let dry.

10. Add color to the paper flowers by applying the Wild Honey Distress Ink to light colored flowers using the Ink Blending Tool & Foam.

11. Add color to the darker paper flowers ~ scribble the Currant Pigment Pen on your craft mat. Place the flower face down in the ink and gently rub it around in the ink. Light pressure will allow the ink to touch only the embossed areas of the flower, heavy pressure will add more ink to color the entire flower.
12. Add brad centers to the inked flowers and glue on the box.


Dividers & Recipe Cards


1. Purchase or cut blank recipe cards. If you are making your own cards and dividers, cut them to 3x5”.

2. Stamp the images in various combinations as shown with Wild Honey Distress Ink.
3. Stamp the Mixing Bowl image on 10 blank recipe cards. Punch 10 tags from brown cardstock. Glue the tags in step sequence on the first 5 cards. Repeat with the remaining 5 cards.
4. Ink the edges of the dividers and recipe cards with Wild Honey Distress Ink and the Ink Blending Tool.

Now it's time to fill your box with the recipes gathered from your family and/or friends!

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Would you like to win this recipe box to fill with your families favorite recipes?

If you would, tell me what your favorite recipe is...just the name, you can share the entire recipe if you like but it's not nec. to be entered to win. 

You have until 12-21-10 to be entered to win!

My favorite recipe is for Rice Pie...it's not a sweet desert like it sounds but it's a savory meat type pie...the "crust" is a meatloaf type shell filled with rice, tomato sauce and spices.  Bake it and top it with cheese near the end. 
Mmmmmmmm it's DELISH!!!!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

25 Days of Hand Crafted Gifts and Ornaments - Mixed Up Segmented Christmas Tree Ornament

Today I've got another ornament that can easily be a "Green" ornament...when I say green I mean the two main components of this project can be recycled from other goodies.

I'm going to share a Mixed Up Segmented Christmas Tree Ornament.  I tried to think of a better name for it but I couldn't come up with anything...

Supplies:

Chipboard (new or recycled) or Grungeboard
Christmas Pattern Paper or Christmas Wrapping Paper
Sandpaper
Distress Ink (optional)
Ink Blending Tool (optional)
Eyelets (11 per tree)
Hole Punch
Jumprings, Ribbon, Jute, Elastic Cord, etc.
Pliers
Embellishments (optional)
Tree Pattern (below)

You will need to create a pattern similar to this.  If you want you can actually save this image to your computer and resize it as needed which is what I do.  You can ignore the sizes written on the pattern.  This was for another project I made. I actually printed the tree out for this project at 4.25 x 6"

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Instructions:

1. Trace the tree on your chipboard.  I am using a portion of a lid from an old puzzle box I had in my stash!  You will need at least 2-3 trees but you could make more if desired.

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2. Cut out each of the trees.

3. Cover each tree with a different pattern paper or different types of wrapping paper (new or recycled!). 

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4. Trim away excess paper from each tree. 

5.  Sand all of the edges.

6. (optional) If desired you can color the edges with Distress Inks and the Ink Blending Tool.  I used Forest Moss on all three of my trees.

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7. Cut each tree into 3 equal parts.  Since my trees were 6" tall I cut each section 2".  (this is where the "segmented" part of the name comes in)

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8. Now mix 'em up! 

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9. Punch holes in each of the segments.  I find it's easier to keep the holes lined up if you place the two sections together (either back to back or face to face) and punch the holes in both sections at one time.  This works great if you are using a Crop-A-Dile...it cuts through both pieces like butter!  If you are using a standard hole punch then you can punch the holes in one section then place the second section over the holes and use the existing holes as a guide.

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10. Add eyelets to each hole and secure.

11.  Bind the sections together using any combination of the following:  jumprings, ribbon, decorative fibers, jute, wire, cord, elastic cord, raffia, etc.

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12. Add a piece of ribbon, elastic cord, etc. in the upper most hole for a hanger and Enjoy!!

13. (optional) If desired you could embellish the tree with extra goodies.

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Since you're working on multiples at one time these trees go very quickly.  They not only make great ornaments for the tree but they also work well as package decorations, can be stuck on or in a greeting card, used as embellishments on a scrapbook lay-out, etc.