12 Cards of Christmas 2015 - Explosion Card with Ann Butler Stamps

We're almost through with making 12 cards for Christmas, and I had SO much fun! I don't make a lot of cards and every time I'm doing this series I'm reminded how fun card making can be. It's sometimes challenging to limit yourself to a card size :)

Today's card is a really fun one with a surprise. When you open the card the paper inside "explodes" at you. I've used Ann Butler Faux Quilting Stamps to create an interesting pattern on the inside page and the Ann Butler's EZ Dee's letter stamps to add the word NOEL. Finally I used the little triangle stamps from Ann Butler faux quilting stamps to create a Christmas tree on the front of the card.

I have to say that this series has challenged me. Since I don't celebrate Christmas (I'm Jewish) I don't have a lot of Christmas craft supplies like stamps, dies, papers etc. I also don't want to buy too many supplies because my budget is limited and I'd rather spend it on supplies I can use all year long. So I need to come up with ways to use what I have in creative ways so I can create interesting cards that can inspire others.

All the cards designs can be a starting point for many different kinds of cards for every event or person you can think of. Just change the colors, patterns or sentiments but the technique and design can stay the same. So basically these 12 cards ideas can inspire you all year long!

Have fun creating!

The Grand Special December Daily Holiday Game

Did you really think I'd let this wonderful season go by without a fabulous giveaway?

If you know me you must have been waiting for something...well, it's here!

The Grand Special December Daily Holiday Game! A daily game of fun questions that has an AMAZING prize at the end.

How it goes?
Everyday I'll post a question on my Facebook page. You only need to do three things:
1. LIKE my Page.
2. Spread the word on FB, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest...or other social media you can think of.
3. Answer the question.

Easy right?

****IMPORTANT****

The more questions you answer the more entries you get, so your chances to win grow.

If you want to increase your chances even more tag your friends and let them know about this fun game! However here's the catch - ONLY friends who actually participate in the game will increase your winning chances! IT'S NOT ENOUGH TO TAG THEM! They need to answer questions too so you and them will get more entries in the raffle!!!

What's in the box?
Family Traditions 27 - pc Collection Pack by Webster's Pages
Two 4x9 Glitter Papers
Chipboard Stickers by Pink Paislee
Border Stickers by Pink Paislee
Two 6x6 Burlap Pages
Two 4x6 Canvas Pages
12 Buttons Pack by Prima
175 3/16" Tacky Dots
50 yard Gold Organza Trim
8 Chipboard pieces
45 Different color, size and shape Flowers
5 Tags
3 Embossed Chipboard Shapes
Transparent Embellishment
4 Metal Edge Paper Shapes
2 Paper Cutouts
5 Little Admission Tickets
4 Large Brads
1 Extra Large Rhinestone Brad
16 Buttons in bulk
5 Butterfly Beads

Now who wouldn't want a goodie pack like this?

The Game starts on December 1st.
The winner will be announced January 1st

Let's have some fun!!
Good luck to everyone!!

What Do You Do with All Your Mini Albums?

This is a question I get asked a lot. You make so many, what do you do with all of them? Well...There are a few things I do, depends on how much I love the mini or how long I worked on it. When I began making mini albums I designed them all with photos inside, 20 mini albums later I realized if I onlyput my photos in them there isn't a lot I ca do with them once they're finished. So I started creating empty mini albums and that opened up a whole new world of possibilities.

Give as a gift
This is kind of obvious. make a mini album for someone and give it to them on their birthday or on Christmas. But I want you to consider other gift options for example as giveaways in a raffle on your blog or website. Make a bunch of mini albums and give them to someone to give as gifts. I made my mom a few mini albums with inspiring quotes in them to give to her patients (they loves them).

Sell them
I sell some of my mini albums in my Etsy shop. You can also sell them in craft fairs and holiday gift fairs. I went to a fair once (when I was still doing that) with a few mini albums among other things and they were sold like hot cakes. The mini albums were very simple but people liked them because I they were themed: baby mini album, wedding, grandma, field trip etc. So everybody found something that appealed to them.

Donate them
This is especially good for junk journals and mini albums without too many embellishments. Every time I create a junk journal I don't need or won't use I put it in the donation box and then go to a children hospital and give it to the kids, the older kids. I sit with them for awhile and explain what they could do with it: add photos, journal, add quotes etc.

Display them
My favorite mini albums are displayed in a center location in my house. I found that when they are in the living room for example, my kids and family look at them often. These are the mini albums with photos in them so they sit and browse through them remembering trips, experiences, holidays and they talk, laugh and it's great! It's like kids and vegetables unless you have a nice plate with veggies on it they won't eat it...but if it's there on the table...well..it disappears.





So you might ask yourselves why make mini albums anyway? Other than it being tons of fun, alone or with friends it's also...you can read all about it here.







I don't need an excuse to make mini albums and I share the love for mini albums, binding and surprising moving parts in my online class inter-ACTIVES - Moving Mini Albums click the link to register.

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Have fun creating!

12 Cards of Christmas 2015 - Tag and Card in One

You know I like to make life easy and creating something that can serve a few purposes is a great way to do that. I thought what if I can make a tag, a gift card holder and a card all in one project wouldn't that be great? This way I'll be able to choose what I want to use it for instead of making three different projects.

I created these tags from Canvas Corp mini bags. If I want I live them like they are and use them as tags, if I want I can insert a gift card and then it's like a little present and if I want I can write my season greetings on a piece of cardstock and insert it so it'll become a card.

I created these tags as a series so they'll coordinate with each other. This way I can keep on adding more tags easily by simply using the same colors and papers I used to create the first six tags. If I want the tags themselves can be a great gift, just give it around Thanksgiving so it'll be possible to use them for Christmas.

Share in the comments how would you use them as tags, cards or gift card holders?

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Have fun creating!

6 Tips for getting Inspired

Inspiration is unpredictable, you never know when it'll appear and sometimes it's not when you need it. However as creative people inspiration is a key ingredient in our lives and for some of us an essential ingredient in making a living. So How do we get inspired and stay that way?

I think an important part of inspiration lies within each of us, but sometimes it's hidden or masked by other things and we simply can't see it. Maybe we are preoccupied, hungry, sad, depressed or simply too busy to find our inspiration so first of all...

Take Care of Yourself
Make sure to get a good night sleep, drink enough water and eat healthy food. This might seem stupid and you might think it has nothing to do with creativity but I know that if I'm tired or hungry I can't concentrate and my brain is busy with keeping my eyes open and my stomach growling instead of producing ideas.

Keep a Tidy Craft Space
Regardless if you are a tidy person or not when your desk is a mess so is your brain. If you don't have an inviting, comfortable space to work in there is no way you can be creative. I know when my desk is a mess I don't go into my studio because all I can think of is all the mess I need to organize and tidy...

Focus on What You Love
When you're in a good mood then there is a better chance your inspiration will flow. So in order to be in a good mood focus on what makes you happy. Set aside time to relax and do what you love like going on a hike or even watch your favorite TV show.

Once you've done all that you've put your foot in the door of inspiration. Now all you need is to open the door wide open and let it in!

Watch and Learn
The internet is an amazing source of inspiration (and sometimes for copying unfortunately). Be on websites like Pinterest and Instagram and follow crafters and artists you like. Try to follow as many people you can so your pool of inspiration resources will grow. Watch tutorials on Youtube and take classes.

Create
When your inspiration is really low this is the time to create! It might sounds counter intuitive but this is what will get your brain started. After all creativity is a bunch of neurons firing so sometimes we need to give our brain a jump start.

Challenge Yourself
Create small challenges like creating a project with limited number of supplies or only two colors. Learn a new craft or a new technique you've always wanted to try.

Read my blog post on how to overcome a crafter's block and get some more advice. Share in the comments how do you get inspired!

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Have fun creating!

5 Minutes Craft - Christmas Junk Journal/ Mini Album

You need a last minute gift or you are stuck with so many Christmas paper scraps and you're lost! I have an idea...take all those paper scraps and turn them into a junk journal or a mini album. Not only will it get you into the holiday spirit but you'll use all your supplies and not feel like the piles of scraps are going to take over your craft space.

All you need are papers, tags, journaling cards and a Bind-it -All. If you don't have a Bind-it-All that's ok, bind your journal with rings. Start with giving the papers the shape you want: a square or a circle. I even made a stocking shape to one of the pages. Cut different sizes so it'll be interesting. Then bind all of them to a journal or a book and embellish!

If you have pieces of fabric or felt add them too. it'll add a soft fuzzy feeling to the album. Fill it with holiday photos, inspirational quotes or family memorabilia, keep it for yourself or give it as a gift. In any case you'll be happy you created something from leftovers and in only 5 minutes!

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Have fun creating!

12 Cards of Christmas 2015

It's that time of year again when you have to decide if you're sending handmade cards or bought cards. I think the choice is obvious but sometimes it's hard to be inspired. So this year I'm back with the 12 Cards of Christmas series to help you get some inspiration! Every day starting Saturday a card video tutorial will be posted on my You Tube channel. Different skill levels, techniques and supplies will guarantee everyone will find a card they like and want to make!

The first card on the series is a really fancy beautiful card that doesn't require special practice but sure makes an impression! The 3D effect is very easy to create just by created folded "walls" to hold the images in different heights. It's all a matter of creating a perspective in the image by layering the images in changing distance from the back of the card.

In this series will have a basic origami tree card so easy even kids can participate, a beautiful winter's night Christmas window with stenciling and punching. A card with tiles, which is fun and fast to make and is great for using those paper scraps. Will create a green and red card with bold letters and glittered icicles on a snowy night. Will also learn about pop-up, unique card shapes and much more!

Make sure to tune in everyday to my You Tube channel so you will not miss any card.

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Have fun creating!

12 Christmas Cards Video Tutorials

A year has passed since I did 12 Cards of Christmas and I'm getting ready to do it again! However I realized that although all the cards were posted on Youtube there wasn't a blog post with all the cards listed as a reference. So as preparation for the 12 Cards of Christmas 2015 here's a roundup of all the cards from last year.

Resist Technique an exciting combination of stamping with embossing powder and creating a background with a resist technique.

Layering layering paper and adding dimension with foam tape.

Transparencies learn how to color transparencies and what can be done with it.

Felt Create a felt snow man and mimic the feeling of snow with a soft fabric.

Double Fold interesting card that opens up to reveal a surprise.

Paper Piecing create a funny scene by assembling pieces of paper.

Bezel Art discover how to tuen empty boring bezels into festive ornaments.

Make your own snow be a craft cook and mix your own snow white mix that will look like the real thing.

Pop Up Trees  give your Christmas trees a little dimension but in a way they can still fit inside an envelope.

Easel Card dry embossing and surprising folding will result in a beautiful card.

Water Colors easy but striking card with watercolor resist and crayon technique

Doodling doodle letters and shapes and color them with holiday colors to create a jolly card.

Wow! An easy, beautiful and fast collection of cards that you can make for family and friends. You even have enough ideas to make a different card for each one :) Get ready for the new 12 Cards of Christmas 2015 series it's coming your way soon!

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Have fun creating!

Doesn't the apple really fall far from the tree?

Everybody knows the sentence "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree" it means that sons are often resemble their parents or students resemble their teachers etc. Well..I don't know about other areas but in crafts in does.

My two boys not only have nothing to do with crafts and creating they are simply not interested! Some will say it's because they are boys and this is more of  a girl's area but I don't think so. They didn't even like it when they were in kindergarten, and everybody likes it then. It's almost as if they are doing it on purpose...

I wish it wasn't like that. I wish that something I love so much and that is such a big part of my life will be at least slightly interesting or appealing to them. But it's not. Maybe the fact that they are two teenage boys does have something to do with it.

But there is something they do that fill my heart with joy! Every now and then they some into my room, take out all the scrapbooks out, sit on the floor and start looking through them. It doesn't matter how many times they've seen them before, they always look at all the pages with the same wonder and interest as the first time. They laugh, talk to each other about this photo or that and they complain about certain photos I used in the layouts.

And usually before they finish they look up at me and say: "Mom, when are you going to make more pages for our albums?" I always enjoy this so much because I feel someone appreciates what I do, likes it and that this is something meaningful that they will cherish for years to come.

Now I only need to find the time to create more pages...

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Have fun creating!

Steampunk Christmas Tree Canvas

Creating steampunk images are a lot of fun. It's basically an easy idea where you create an image from metal embellishments, clock faces and cogwheels. It can be any image like a person or an abstract image. I think it's time to start thinking about Christmas so I created a steampunk Christmas tree.

I used a 8x8 canvas and created the background from old book pages. I inked all the edges with brown and black distress inks. When it was dry I used large metal pieces to create the base of the tree and added smaller pieces as ornaments. I also added metal squares with twine as gifts. I stamped Merry Christmas and added little metal beads as stars.

You can create the same tree with other style of embellishments if you don't want it to be in a steampunk style. The style and color of the embellishments you use will determine the mood of the canvas. For example if you use blue and white paper and embellishments you will have a snowy canvas and if you use old Christmas embellishments or photos you will have a vintage scene.

This can be a great gift or a decoration on your wall. Any way you'll create it this canvas will get you and everyone into the season spirit!

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Have fun creating!

5 Art Journaling Myths Broken!

There are so many misconceptions about art journaling that I hear all the time. Well...it's time to break them! Not just because they aren't true, which is good enough reason, but because it keeps some of you from starting an art journal and that's not ok!

"You need to know how to draw"
Let me start by saying: I DON'T KNOW HOW TO PAINT! and everyone who has seen my video tutorials knows this. You absolutely don't have to know how to draw in order to keep an art journal. You need not to be afraid to express yourself on the page in ANY way you want!

"I don't do paints"
You don't have to use any kind of paints in an art journal! There are many art journals that are done with pencils, pens and pieces of paper. You can create collages, illustrate, write, stamp, print and so much more to tell the story you need to tell.

"Art journaling is not for me"
Guess what? Art journaling is for EVERYBODY! Each one of us have feelings, dreams, fears, thoughts, disappointments in their life. These are what makes an art journal. It's a way for us to put all of those things on paper in a visual way. There are no rules for it, just be who you are!

"I don't like this form of art, it doesn't speak to me"
There is no one form of art or medium in art journaling. This is something that is very personal so you create it in a way that does speak to you. If you don't like colors make it black and white, if you don't like painting add paper or photos. If you don't want to spray or use wet mediums use a pen, colored pencils or crayons and if you don't like the artsy style create it in your own style. This is your place!

"Art journals are very expensive"
You don't need a fancy art journal! You can use an old book or a notebook. You can even use a sketchbook or separate pages and bind them later with rings or at Office Depot. You don't need to buy any special supplies, just use what you have to start with.

If you still have any misconceptions or excuses why not to have a art journal please write them in the comments and I'll break them for you ASAP :)

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Have fun creating!