2012 Revisited - Steamy Helloween

One more project to reflect back on while I still have a bit of time left this year....

 

This is one of my favorite cards I made this past year ~ it combines so many of my favorite things...

Rubber Stamping, Distress Inks, Steampunk & Halloween imagery, a bit of glitz (with the black rhinestones) and my Ink Blending Tool ~ all on a single Card!

 

 

I hope you've enjoyed spending whatever time you could with me this past year and I hope to see you in the next!

 

Here's to more fun

lots of stamps,

glues....

paints ...

and

many, many

more days filled with

Ink Stains!!

 

Happy New Year!!!

2012 Revisited - Recycled Candy Package Collage

You all know by now how much I love to re-use and recycle "stuff" that would otherwise be classified as trash by others.  Well, I wanted to share another "GREEN" project from this past year....my Vintage Easter 3D collage which I made using a Reese's Peanut Butter Egg package!

Vintage Easter Collage - Part 1

Vintage Easter Collage - Part 2

This is how it started out life.....

and here is what it looked like after I had my way with it.....

So, I challenge you in the coming year to take a look at a few items destine for the trash bin before you pitch it....you never know where a piece of art might be lurking! 

2012 Revisited - Graphite Image Transfers

Here is another technique that I came up with this year...

Graphite Image Transfers!

 

You can achieve a beautiful, hand-drawn effect without possessing an ounce of artistic ability!

 

 

 

A really fun and easy image transfer technique that gives you a hand drawn effect using 4 simple supplies - A black and white ink jet printed image, a graphite pencil, cardstock or other paper to transfer your image onto and an orange oil cleaning solution. 

 

 

 

 

2012 Revisited - Unique Paint Chip Card & more

I'm traveling back through time sharing some fun projects with you from 2012.

 

Today I wanted to share a fun card I made which incorporates one of my favorite bits of ephemera...paint chips!

 

 

Initially I just stamped on the strip but I thought it would be fun to cut off the top and bottom then flipped em around so they were opposite of where they started out.  Makes for a fun, and unique focal point don't you think?

 

Goes perfectly well with the altered paint chip clipboard I made...

 

 

and here's another fun paint chip idea....

 

 

Now it's your turn to play!

 

 

2012 Revisited... December Calendar Technique - Sparklie Mosaic Stamping

Yes, this is one of my favorite techniques used on the

 2012 Technique Calendar -

Sparklie Mosaic Stamping!

 

I simply love how the hand cut stamps make for such an interesting design when stamped with various colors of ink. 

 

 

With the addition of Stickles Glitter Glue the design really comes to life!

 

 

And when all is said and done...

it makes a stunning background for any project!

 

Christmas is over...

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.

We had a great time with the boys ~ lots of great food, fun, and a very enjoyable time.

Did Santa bring you what you wanted???

 

Well, Christmas is over....so let the count down begin!!!

 

(Card created with supplies from Altered Pages)

 

Only a few short days left of 2012...

so the next few days I'm going to be reflecting back over some of my favorite projects and techniques.

 

I hope you enjoy them!

 

Merry Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas...

From our family ....

To yours.... 

All the best!!!

25 ideas for the Holidays - #25 a Great Big Bear Hug!

I saved the best for last....

 

I know as a mom, I would apprecitate this gift more than anything from my guys....

 

a

 

great

 

Big

 

HUG!!!!

I know lots of folks don't have the luxury of living close to their relatives so if you can't be there in person, how about a nice "cyber hug"???

 

 

Just a little something to let them know

you are thinking of them

and

that they are loved!!!

 

So from me to you...

please know that you are loved!!!

 

 

I hope you all have the most wonderful Christmas

as you are all very special

and

deserve only the best!

 

Lots of Hugs & Love ~

 

Ink Stained Roni

 

 

25 Ideas for the Holidays - #24 - Custom Made Coupon Books

Since there are only a couple days left till Christmas I thought it would be nice to find a REALLY quick last minute gift idea.

Custom Made Coupon Books!

Here is a link to an amazing place....

DLTK's Custom Printable Coupon Book

It takes you though the entire process of designing your coupon book and all you have to do is click a few buttons, print, cut and assemble!!!

It doesn't get much easier than that now does it?

Hope you're enjoying time with family and friends!

Be sure to tell them how much they are loved!!

Early Christmas Gift from DH

Coming to you live from my Christmas gift from DH....

 

My new Sony Vaio laptop!

 

 

 

 

he bought it for me a few days ago and I've been experimenting with it every since.

He thought I should have something as back up just in case we got hit by lightening again.

 

Windows 8 is very different and it takes some getting used to but I'm learning it slowly.

I don't like some of their application set ups like their mail, internet, etc. but I'm figuring out how to get what I want on there.  It's fun to experiment and see what's what.

 

Anyone else have Windows 8?

Any suggestions for apps or other things I should know?

I'd be happy to hear what you have learned about it.

25 Ideas for the Holidays - #23 Mix in a Jar

These are one of the best gift ideas around....

there are literally hundreds of recipes out there to create a jar for anyone!!

This is my favorite site ~

Mixes in a Jar Recipes

They have everything from cookies, soups, and dips,

to bath & body mixes and everything in between!

Most mixes are quick and easy to make, use ingredients already found in your cupboard and they can be made ahead for quick gifts when unexpected holiday visitors drop by.

Ho HO Ho

4 More Days Till Christmas!!!

25 Ideas for the Holidays - #22 Quick & Easy Caramel!!

These are SOOOOOOO good and ohhhh so easy!

Microwave Caramels
& Salted Caramels

Ingredients -

1C Butter
1C Brown Sugar
1C Sugar
1C Corn Syrup
1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk
(Optional) Sea Salt

Directions -

1. Melt the butter in a large glass bowl.

2. Add everything to the butter except the milk.  Stir it all together really well.

3. Add the milk and stir again.

4. Microwave on high for 13-15 minutes.  Stir once about 1/2 way through.

5. Carefully remove from the microwave & stir one last time.

6. Pour the mixture into a buttered 9x13" pan and let cool.

(OPTIONAL) If you like salted caramel, let the caramel cool about 3-4 minutes then sprinkle Sea Salt over the top.  Put it back in the fridge and let it cool completely.    (I just tried it with my 2nd batch today and it's amazing!!!)

7. Once the caramel is cool, cut into small chunks and wrap with wax paper. 

8 EAT & ENJOY!!!! 

***Edited to add - this makes approx. 80+/- pieces of caramels depending on how large/small you cut them.  I try to make about 1" squares but sometimes I get tired near the end of the pan and they get larger and larger - LOL!!

Note:  Sharing is optional ;) 
LOL!!!

25 Ideas for the Holidays - #21 Bottle Cap Frame

This is a really fun project that can be adapted for anyone on your gift list. 

I actually made this one for myself which is why I used lots of blues & greens.

Supplies:

Frame
Cardstock & Pattern Papers
Bottle Caps
Glossy Accents
Rock Candy
Distress Inks
Letters (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cover the frame with desired pattern paper. 

2. (optional) For a vintage worn feel, sand the edges of the paper & add distress inks if desired.

3. Stamp desired images on a variety of papers...pattern & cardstock.

4.  Cut or punch circles to fit into bottle caps.

5. Glue the circles into the bottle caps and fill with desired medium.  I know there are tons out there on the market so I say use what you have!

6. Once the bottle caps are dry, arrange them around your frame and any letters if desired.  After you find just the right combination, glue them down with your favorite liquid glue.

HO HO HO

5 Days Till Christmas!!!

25 Ideas for the Holidays - #20 Candy Cane Bark!

Mmmmm here is one of my favorite recipes of the season....

Candy Cane Bark!

This is pretty easy, very festive and oh so tasty! 

The best part is with all the different types of candy canes out there now you could use this one recipe for a wide variety of flavors...something for everyone!!

Great for gifts or to have around your home for visitors or a yummy snack!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of crushed Candy Canes (any flavor)

1lb of white chocolate (my choice)

Directions:

1. Place candy canes in a plastic bag and smash them to bits....1/4-inch chunks or smaller works best.

2. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler.

3.  Combine candy cane chunks with chocolate and stir well.

4. Pour mixture onto a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper or waxed paper & pop it into the fridge for 45 minutes or until firm.

5. After it has cooled, take it out of the fridge & break into pieces...the size is up to you ;) 

This stuff is really fun and easy to make. 

You could of course use milk or dark chocolate but I like the festive look (and taste) of white chocolate. 

And yes, I know white chocolate really isn't chocolate but I still like it.

25 Ideas for the Holidays - 17, 18 & 19 - Holiday Place Cards!

Since it's getting so close to Christmas I thought it would be nice to start throwing out some quick, easy and last minute ideas.  The first few ideas are for your holiday table....Place cards!  I'm offering up three very different designs that will each add a bit of holiday flair to your party.

#17 - Sweet Treat Place Card

Such an easy design, simply cut out a circle or oval from cardstock.  Stamp or pen each persons name.  Wrap the treat with colored cellophane paper add a couple ribbon ties and it's done!

#18 - Giant Holly Leaf & Jingle Bell Place Card

This place card is so much fun...by taking a very familiar holiday icon, blowing it up to a giant 7" long you're to receive many smiles as folks gather around the table.

Print this holly leaf so it measures 6-8" long. 

Trace onto green cardstock, stamp each persons name and adorn with red jingle bells & a bow.

#19 - 3 D Christmas Tree Place Card

While this place card takes a bit more time it's worth it.  You'll have a lovely little forest of Christmas Trees decorating your holiday table...

Print the pattern out so the trees fit your needs.  My tree is approx. 4.5" tall.

Trace & cut each side of the tree out.  Insert side #2 into side #1 until the points meet at the top. Write the names of your guests on each star, tuck one star on each tree and you're all set!

You can of course decorate your tree or leave it plain depending on your time table.

So there you go...

3 fun, quick & easy ways to spiff up your holiday table

without breaking the bank...both money and time!

25 Ideas for the Holidays - #16 Felt Mistletoe

A few years ago I shared how to make your own Faux Mistletoe from crepe paper, wire & pearl beads.  Well, I've been thinking about making a more portable version and here's what I came up with....

Felt Mistletoe

Supplies:

Felt (shades of green)
Silver Bells
Twine
Pattern (below)

Instructions:

1. Trace and cut several mistletoe leaves from various shades of green felt.  My leaves are approx. 2.5" long.  You of course can resize it to fit your needs.  Larger for hanging, smaller for packages or cards.

2. String one of the silver bells onto the twine and tie a small knot, trim off excess twine from one end.

3.  Tie one of the mistletoe leaves above the bell.


4.  Continue adding leaves and bells until your branch of mistletoe reaches the desired length.  Mine is approx. 4" long.    Use the remaining twine to form a loop for holding/hanging.

Now you're ready to shower your sweetie with a little love.

I'm going to do just that when my sweetie gets home from work!

TIP: This basic idea can be adapted to make mistletoe large enough to hang up in a doorway, used as is to adorn gifts or shrunk down a bit to add to cards or scrapbook pages! 

Enjoy!

Ho Ho Ho

6 Days Till Christmas!!!

What would you do?

I'm sure by now everyone has heard about the unthinkable shooting in Newtown, CT.  I haven't mentioned it up till now because it's been talked about all over the place and what can you really say...  There are no words that will really express the profound sadness as a parent about such a tragedy which was simply allowed to happen.

But on to my question for you...it seems there are places to "donate" all over the net now.  I have received 3 requests so far (through my Etsy store) to donate goods so people can make items to sell ~ the proceeds of these sales to go to the fund for the families. 

I don't know any of these people who have sent the requests, they are basically strangers crawling out of the woodwork. 

What would you do?

Personally, I am thinkin that if you want to donate to a cause you should go directly to that cause, not purchase something from someone who says they will donate it to the cause.  But maybe I'm being a bit too cynical...

What are your opinions? 

25 Ideas for the Holidays - #15 Origami Money Christmas Tree

If you've visited for a bit then you know I like to mess around with origami.   It is so much fun to see what you can come up with in a few simple folds.  Well, today I have a fun one for you that will make giving money a bit more fun....

Origami Money Christmas Tree

Supplies:

Money!!!!

Instructions:

1.   Fold the dollar in half length ways.

2. Unfold then fold the dollar in half.

3. Now fold approximately 2/3rds of the top folded bill down and crease.

4. Fold the corners of the 2/3rd fold in toward the center leaving a 3/4" space between the two as shown.

5.  Now open up the little ears you just made and fold the bottom flaps in towards the center so the ears now form a triangle.  Crease the flaps as shown...

6.  Once both of these flaps are folded towards the center and you have two little triangles where the ears used to be you will now see the trunk of your tree!

7.  Fold the top two corners in so they meet at the original center crease.  This is very similar to making a folded airplane.

8.  Now fold each side in again as shown.  This is how I make a paper airplane into a jet.

Flip it over and you've got your Christmas Tree!!!

How fun is that?

I'll be there are lots of people on your list that would like a Christmas Tree like this one ;)

It's also a great way to give tips to waitresses, hair dressers, delivery people, etc. 

I'll bet it will put a smile on their face when you give it to them and NOT just because it's money.

Ho Ho Ho

ONE WEEK till Christmas!!!

25 Ideas for the Holidays - #12, 13 & 14 Candy Cane Holders & Patterns

Today I wanted to share a trio of Candy Cane Holders...

All of these patterns below can be easily cut from felt, grunge board, cardstock, etc.  depending on your needs.  They are pretty straight forward as far as assembly, the wings of the birds become the holder ~ just glue the top & bottom tips.  The ears of the mouse become the holder on the bottom (more on that below). 

DOUBLE DUTY TIP: These critters can easily be turned into ornaments by simply cutting 2 bodies; add a layer between the 2 bodies, stitch around the edges and you have a nifty ornament that can be used for your tree; added to a package or sent through the mail to a friend!

Here are the CC Holders Photos & Patterns....

#12 - Owl Candy Cane Holder

Owl Candy Cane Holder PDF Pattern

#13 - Penguin Candy Cane Holder

Penguin Candy Cane Holder PDF Pattern

#14 - Mouse Candy Cane Holder

 

Now the pattern shows a 1/4" cut near the center of the mouse to slide the ears into. 

Here is what I do to make it easy.  After I cut the mouse out I fold it in half and use my Exacto Knife to make a tiny slit (no larger than 1/4") about 1/8" down from the fold.  This will make nice parallel cuts on the top of the mouses head.  I know it sounds like a tiny cut to slide the ears through but the smaller cut is a nice tight fit which will keep the ears erect and hold the candy cane on the bottom securely.

I'm not so sure making this particular holder out of paper will work very well due to the ears so felt would be the best bet for this project.

Mouse Candy Cane Holder PDF Pattern

I know several people have tried the Owl with great success...

I hope the other two holders will meet with equal enthusiasm!

Enjoy :)

HO HO HO

8 Days Till Christmas!!!!